Messi equals World Cup Goal-scoring record with hat-trick against Algeria

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant hat-trick to equal the World Cup all-time goals record as Argentina humbled Algeria 3-0 on Tuesday in Kansas City.

The Argentina legend now joins German legend Miroslav Klose as joint record holder with 16 goals, after a magical display against the North Africans.

Messi scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes of the tie.

At 38, the former Barcelona man also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, 20 years after his debut at the World Cup in 2006.

Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister said there are no words to describe Lionel Messi.

“There are no words to describe it. I think if anyone thought this team was better without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important player of all.

“ And that we have to build a team around him, where he feels comfortable.”

Algerian defender Aissa Mandi said his side’s plan to stop Messi didn’t work.

“He’s a player, maybe the best player of all time, so that’s his efficiency, and it’s formidable. We knew it, we tried to limit him as much as possible, but it didn’t work.”

Speaking after the game, Messi said it is an honour to be joint top goal scorer but that it is just a start.

“It is a great honor to be able to compete with all these greats, including Ronaldo Nazario. He is among the best players I have watched.”

“Ronaldo Nazario was one of the greatest players of all time, and yet he is not in first place. So in the end, this is just a start.”

Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria is his 11th for his country and his first in a World Cup match.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is in position to become the World Cup all-time highest goal scorer as Argentina continue their World Cup defence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.