Messi Matches Klose’s 16‑Goal World Cup Record as Argentina Defeats Algeria

Lionel Messi scored a dazzling hat‑trick for Argentina on Tuesday, matching Miroslav Klose’s all‑time World Cup record of 16 goals as the defending champions defeated Algeria 3‑0.

In a night that saw Argentina’s talisman break yet another record, the 38‑year‑old, who first appeared at a World Cup as a teenager in 2006, lit up the match with three goals in a clinical display by the reigning champions.

When the game began at the Kansas City Chiefs’ home stadium, Messi became the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments, marking his 200th international match.

“To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment,” said the Inter Miami star. “I’m happy.”

He added: “I’m grateful to the fans, because once again they’ve shown that Argentina is crazy about this. We packed the stadium again.”

Messi opened the scoring with a majestic long‑range finish in the 17th minute, sparking a frenzy among his adoring fans who had turned the match into a virtual home game.

He added a second goal in the second half from close range, taking him just one behind Klose’s record.

Messi completed his first World Cup hat‑trick with an unstoppable finish in the 76th minute. He was substituted shortly thereafter, leaving Argentine fans to wait for a chance to see him claim the outright record.

– Messi magic –

The Group J match in the open‑air stadium started at a frantic pace, with both sides seeing early goals ruled out for offside, including one from Messi.

Argentina took the lead when Rodrigo De Paul delivered a beautifully measured through ball that Messi collected before driving at goal and unleashing a fierce shot from outside the penalty area that curled away from goalkeeper Luca Zidane.

The South American side dominated, fluid in attack with their revered number 10 pulling the strings.

As the clock approached half‑time, Algeria had a better spell, forcing Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to parry a shot from Fares Chaibi.

Messi curled another effort over the bar in the early minutes of the second half, and Zidane kept out a shot from Lautaro Martinez.

But the crowd did not have to wait long to celebrate another goal from the veteran Inter Miami forward.

Zidane failed to deal with a sizzling Alexis Mac Allister strike, and Messi was there to sweep the ball home in the 60th minute.

Six minutes later, Messi was through again, but Zidane pushed the ball over the bar.

He was not denied, completing his hat‑trick after being set up by substitute Nico Gonzalez.

“I don’t have the words to describe Messi,” said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. “For 20 years, he’s had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play.”

Argentina are seeking to become the first back‑to‑back winners of the World Cup since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962.

Earlier, the roads around the stadium were clogged as tens of thousands of Argentine fans streamed toward the ground dressed in blue and white, many with Messi’s name on the back of their shirts.

Argentina’s all‑time top scorer is just the third man to reach 200 caps after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait’s Bader Al‑Mutawa.

Ronaldo will equal Messi’s record of six World Cup appearances if he plays for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.

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