Messi makes World Cup history as Argentina cruise past Algeria in Kansas City
Football legend reaches landmark on his 200th international appearance
KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable World Cup on Tuesday, scoring a hat-trick as Argentina began the defence of their crown with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City.
The Argentina captain etched his name further into football history by equalling Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
The match also marked Messi’s 200th appearance for his country and made him the first footballer ever to compete in six FIFA World Cups.
Messi’s hat-trick
The 38-year-old wasted little time in making his mark. After both sides saw early efforts ruled out for offside, Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Rodrigo De Paul threaded a pass through the Algerian defence. The forward took control before firing home from outside the penalty area.
The goal added another milestone to a career already packed with records. Exactly 20 years after making his World Cup debut as a teenager, Messi was once again the central figure on football’s biggest stage.
Argentina, the defending champions and FIFA’s top-ranked side, controlled possession throughout much of the first half. Algeria remained organised defensively but struggled to create sustained pressure against a composed Argentine back line led by Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi.
Messi doubled Argentina’s lead shortly after the break. In the 60th minute, Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane failed to hold a shot from Alexis Mac Allister, allowing the Argentine captain to tap in the rebound.
With the record within reach, anticipation grew around the nearly 70,000 supporters inside the stadium. Messi completed his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute, collecting the ball near the edge of the area before guiding a low left-footed finish into the corner.
The strike not only matched Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals but also made Messi the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick. He additionally became the first player to score in five consecutive World Cup matches.
Group advantage
Argentina’s victory gives them an early lead in Group J and a strong start in their bid to retain the title. The result also produced the tournament’s first hat-trick.
Messi received a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the match, bringing the curtain down on a memorable evening that saw him reclaim the spotlight once again.
Algeria, meanwhile, remain without points ahead of their remaining group fixtures as they seek a route into the knockout rounds under the expanded 48-team format.