Messi equals Kloses World Cup record with hat-trick in Argentinas 3-0 win
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Messi equals Kloses World Cup record with hat-trick in Argentinas 3-0 win
revised 2×Messi equals Kloses World Cup record with hat-trick in Argentinas 3-0 win
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Lionel Messi rewrote World Cup history on Tuesday night, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 goals at the tournament. The 38-year-old Argentine, making his record sixth World Cup appearance, struck exactly 20 years after his first goal in the competition, a milestone that underscored his enduring brilliance.
Messi’s three goals—each a masterclass in precision—propelled Argentina to a commanding start in Group J, with the defending champions now poised to advance after their opening fixture. His first came from outside the box, the second a clinical header from a set piece, and the third a composed finish after rounding Algeria’s goalkeeper. The performance was a reminder of why Messi, now 38, remains the game’s most influential player, even as younger stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland begin their own World Cup campaigns.
“It’s an honor to be here, to stand alongside Klose, Ronaldo, Mbappé,” Messi said after the match, referencing the legends whose records he now shares. “To compete at this level at 38 is like Rafa Nadal—you have to give everything.” His coach, Lionel Scaloni, was effusive in his praise: “Messi will always be the best. It’s impossible to imagine anyone matching what he’s done.”
The feat cements Messi’s status as the World Cup’s most prolific scorer, surpassing Pelé’s record for direct goal involvements (goals and assists combined). His 16 goals span six tournaments, a longevity unmatched in football history. Meanwhile, Mbappé, also making his sixth World Cup appearance, scored twice for France in their 3-1 win over Senegal, while Haaland netted twice on his tournament debut for Norway.
With Algeria defeated, Argentina now turns its attention to back-to-back fixtures against Austria and Jordan, both in the coming days. A win or draw in either would secure their place in the knockout stages. For Messi, the focus is not just on breaking records but on leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title—a feat only achieved by Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
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