Messi Scores 16th World Cup Goal and Hat-Trick, Creates History
Playing at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City in front of 69,045 fans, Messi scored a stunning hat-trick to help Argentina beat Algeria 3-0. With this, he took his total World Cup goals to 16, equalling the all-time record held by Germany legend Miroslav Klose.
This was also Messi's first hat-trick in the World Cup. He became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament’s history and surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo in several records.
The match did not start easily for Argentina. In the fifth minute, Messi’s goal was disallowed for offside. Algeria also had a goal ruled out for offside shortly after.
In the 17th minute, Messi opened the scoring with a superb finish after a brilliant through ball from Rodrigo De Paul. He beat the Algerian defence and slotted the ball into the top corner.
This goal was special as it came exactly 20 years after Messi scored his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro on June 16, 2006.
Messi also became the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score in five different World Cups.
Later in the 60th minute, Messi scored his second goal after Alexis Mac Allister’s shot was parried by the goalkeeper. In the 76th minute, he completed his hat-trick with a powerful left-footed strike, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.
With this performance, Messi has now contributed 24 goal involvements (16 goals + 8 assists) in World Cup history, surpassing Brazil legend Pele.
Argentina also created history by winning their opening World Cup match as defending champions for the first time.
With this victory, Argentina have made a strong start in Group J and will now look to continue their campaign against Austria and Jordan.
The football world is once again celebrating the magic of Lionel Messi, who at 38 years old continues to prove that true greatness is not defined by age but by extraordinary talent.
