KANSAS CITY, United States: Lionel Messi matched Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 World Cup goals on Tuesday, powering Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria.
In his 200th international appearance, Messi became the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments before igniting the Kansas City crowd with a masterful hat-trick.
The Argentine captain opened his account in the 17th minute, unleashing a fierce, curling strike from distance that beat Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luca Zidane.
Messi doubled the lead at the hour mark, pouncing on a rebound after Zidane parried an Alexis Mac Allister drive. He completed his first World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute, finishing an assist from Nico Gonzalez to draw level with Klose’s record.
The defending champions controlled much of the match, demonstrating fluid attacking play orchestrated by their legendary number 10. Argentina seeks to become the first repeat winner since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1962.