KANSAS CITY — Lionel Messi has written another monumental chapter in football history, matching Miroslav Klose’s all-time men’s World Cup goalscoring record during Argentina’s tournament opener. The veteran forward delivered a masterclass hat-trick to power the defending champions to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium.
Capping his historic 200th senior international appearance and a record-breaking sixth World Cup campaign, the Argentine captain spearheaded his team’s Group J offensive effort. His clinical three-goal display elevates his total World Cup tournament tally to 16 goals, pulling him level with the legendary German striker atop the sport’s ultimate international stage.
Clinical Display Secures World Cup Hat-Trick
The opening breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Messi picked up possession 30 yards out, rolled his marker, and unleashed a trademark curling, long-range strike into the top corner past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
Despite resilient defensive positioning from the Fennec Foxes for the remainder of the first half, Argentina’s talisman struck again on the hour mark. Capitalizing on a powerful strike from Alexis Mac Allister that Zidane spilled, Messi reacted quickest to pounce on the rebound and finish coolly with his right foot.
The historic milestone was officially sealed in the 76th minute. Fed by a precise pass from Nico González on the edge of the area, Messi executed a sweeping finish into the bottom left corner to complete his first-ever World Cup hat-trick. He exited the pitch three minutes later to a thunderous standing ovation from the crowd.
Entering the Football Pantheon Alongside Klose
With this opening-day performance, Messi matches the record of 16 goals set by Klose across four tournaments between 2002 and 2014. Additionally, the opening strike marked Messi’s fifth career goal from outside the penalty box at the World Cup, matching the most of any player since 1966.
The 3-0 victory positions Lionel Scaloni’s side at the top of Group J. Argentina will return to action on June 23 in Dallas against Austria, where Messi will have his very first opportunity to claim the all-time tournament scoring crown completely outright.
