Lionel Messi Equals Klose’s World Cup Goals Record With Historic Hat-Trick

Just when it seemed there was nothing left for Lionel Messi to achieve, the Argentine legend added another remarkable chapter to his extraordinary career.

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Messi produced a sensational hat-trick as Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup title defence with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The three goals took Messi’s tournament tally to 16, matching the German striker’s long-standing record.

At 38 years old and playing in a record sixth FIFA World Cup, Messi once again reminded the football world why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

A Night Of History In Kansas City

Argentina’s Group J opener against Algeria was always expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the opening round.

The defending champions entered the tournament under pressure, with questions surrounding whether an ageing Messi could still influence matches at the highest level. Those doubts did not last long.

Messi thought he had opened the scoring inside five minutes, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. It proved to be merely a warning for Algeria.

The Argentine captain eventually broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a trademark left-footed finish before adding further goals in the 60th and 76th minutes to complete the first World Cup hat-trick of his career.

By the final whistle, Argentina had secured a comfortable 3-0 victory and Messi had joined Klose atop one of football’s most prestigious records.

Twenty Years In The Making

The achievement feels even more remarkable when considering Messi’s World Cup journey.

His first World Cup goal arrived against Serbia and Montenegro at Germany 2006. Exactly 20 years later, he scored three times against Algeria to equal Klose’s record.

Over those two decades, Messi has played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and established himself as Argentina’s greatest-ever player.

Now he stands alongside Klose with 16 World Cup goals.

The Record Is There For The Taking

While matching Klose’s record is an incredible achievement, the bigger story may be what comes next.

Argentina still have group-stage matches against Austria and Jordan, while the reigning champions are widely expected to progress deep into the knockout rounds. That means Messi could have several opportunities to move clear at the top of the all-time scoring charts.

With Kylian Mbappé also chasing the record, the race to become the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history could become one of the defining storylines of the tournament.

Argentina’s Title Defence Starts Perfectly

Beyond the individual accolades, the result was exactly what Lionel Scaloni would have wanted.

Argentina looked composed, dangerous and every bit like a team capable of defending their crown. The midfield controlled possession, the defence remained solid and Messi provided the magic that has defined his career.

If the Albiceleste are to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup, performances like this will be essential.