Messi ties World Cup goals record with hat-trick as Argentina beats Algeria 3-0

Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time record for World Cup goals when he netted his third hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria on Tuesday in Kansas City. Playing at a record sixth World Cup, Messi scored a spectacular long-range opener, then added a close-range finish and completed his first ever World Cup hat-trick.

The Argentina captain, who turns 39 later this month, was making his 200th international appearance. His hat-trick came exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro, in which he also scored. It helped Argentina start the tournament better than in 2022, when they lost their opener to Saudi Arabia.

Messi nearly scored two more goals, but one was ruled out for a tight offside call. He also contributed defensively, helping shut down Algeria. The Algerians' best chance came early when Fares Chaibi's would-be goal was disallowed by VAR for offside. Messi scored soon after, and the rest of the match belonged to Argentina.

The defending champions face Austria on Monday in Arlington, Texas, and Jordan on June 27. Algeria plays Jordan on Monday in Santa Clara, California, before meeting Austria in their group finale on June 27 in Kansas City.