Messi Ties World Cup Goal Record with Hat Trick in Argentina Win
Lionel Messi made history Tuesday night, scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria to tie Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals with 16.
It was Messi’s 11th international hat trick and first at a World Cup. He also became the oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup match. The Argentina captain received a standing ovation when he came off late in the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Messi also became the first player to appear in six World Cups during his 200th match for Argentina. He broke the previous record of five World Cups shared by Cristiano Ronaldo, Antonio Carbajal, Andrés Guardado, Rafael Márquez and Lothar Matthäus. Ronaldo is expected to match the mark in Portugal’s opener against Congo on Wednesday, one day after Messi.
Messi opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from outside the box and added two second-half goals to complete the hat trick and match Klose’s record. The win also tied Messi with Klose for the most World Cup victories at 17.
Argentina will face Austria in Dallas on June 22.
Messi-mania has swept through the Kansas City area since Argentina’s arrival two weeks ago. Thousands of fans in his No. 10 jersey filled the home of the NFL’s Chiefs, while a downtown watch party featured former NFL quarterback and Fox broadcaster Jameis Winston appearing on stage with a goat wearing an Argentina jersey. The moment proved fitting for another historic night from the player many regard as soccer’s greatest of all time.
