Messi’s Hat-Trick! Breaks Multiple Records + Equals Miroslav Klose’s World Cup Goals Record

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The opening match of Group J at the FIFA World Cup between Argentina and Algeria took place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (officially named Kansas City Stadium for the tournament) in Kansas City. Starting the game, Lionel Messi became the first player in history to feature in six World Cups and also reached his 200th cap for the Argentina national team. In the first half, Messi had a goal disallowed before Rodrigo De Paul assisted him for a long-range screamer to open the scoring. Algeria failed to register a single shot on target, and the first half ended with Argentina leading 1-0.

In the second half, Messi doubled the lead with a rebound finish, and Nicolás González set him up for a powerful strike to complete his hat-trick. With this treble, Messi scored his 16th World Cup goal, equaling Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. Argentina secured a 3-0 opening victory over Algeria, temporarily topping Group J with 3 points, while Algeria sit fourth with 0 points. Argentina will face Austria in their next match, and Algeria will take on Jordan.

Messi broke multiple records in this match:

1. His 16th goal in 27 World Cup appearances sees him joint-top of the all-time World Cup scorers list, equaling Miroslav Klose.
2. With his first goal at 38 years and 357 days old, Messi became the third oldest goalscorer in World Cup history.
3. His first goal also made him the player with goals against the most different teams (11) in World Cup history.
4. He became only the second player ever to score in five World Cups.
5. Messi is the first player in history to both score and assist in five World Cups.
6. He became the fourth Argentine player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup.
7. Messi is now the oldest player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history.
8. He has scored 6 goals against African teams at the World Cup, surpassing Oleg Salenko for the most in tournament history.

Additionally, by starting the match, Messi made history as the first player to appear in six World Cups.