Messi ties men's World Cup scoring record, puts on show for Argentina vs. Algeria
- On Tuesday, Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick to tie Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 goals, leading Argentina to a 3-0 Group J victory over Algeria at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.
- Despite a minor hamstring injury at Inter Miami that raised pre-tournament concerns, Messi proved his fitness by scoring on a penalty kick in a warm-up against Iceland last week while playing 20 minutes.
- Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute off a Rodrigo de Paul assist, doubled Argentina's lead in the 60th minute from a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister's shot deflected off goalkeeper Luca Zidane, and completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute.
- The 38-year-old's appearance marked his 200th international cap and made him the first player ever to feature in six World Cups; he also became only the second to score in five different World Cup editions alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Messi can claim the outright record with his 17th goal in upcoming Group J matches against Austria and Jordan next week, while France's Kylian Mbappé trails by two goals after scoring a brace against Senegal earlier Tuesday.
382 Articles
382 Articles
Lionel Messi scores hat trick at World Cup, ties men’s goals record
Lionel Messi used the front of his white-and-blue, sweat-soaked jersey to wipe the tears from his eyes, a flood of emotions cracking his usually calm, confident demeanor after he gave Argentina an early lead in its World Cup opener against Algeria.
Before the World Cup, the Argentineans surrounded the question, which contribution Lionel Messi can make. The answer is like a force of nature. The striker delivers a record show and stirs viewers to tears.
Lionel Messi’s hat trick ties men’s World Cup goals record
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lionel Messi used the front of his white-and-blue, sweat-soaked jersey to wipe the tears from his eyes, a flood of emotions cracking his usually calm, confident demeanor after he gave Argentina an early lead in its World Cup opener against Algeria.
Lionel Messi’s cryptic explanation for tears after first World Cup goal: ‘Wasn’t related’ to soccer
After Lionel Messi scored his first of his historic hat trick Tuesday night in Argentina's World Cup opener, the soccer legend teared up and held his jersey to his eyes.
Lionel Messi's greatness shines with World Cup hat trick against Algeria
Lionel Messi continues to show why he’s the best soccer player in the world.The Argentine star led his squad to a 3-0 victory against Algeria in their first group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night. He delivered all three goals for his side, picking up the first World Cup hat trick of his career.WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONEThe three goals moved him into a tie with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the career scoring recor…
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