Messi matches Klose’s World Cup scoring record with hat-trick in Argentina’s 2026 opener

Follow Gia Lai Newspaper on Google News

Lionel Messi equaled Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record after netting a hat-trick in Argentina's opening Group J match against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, giving the defending champions a strong start to their campaign.

Messi equals Miroslav Klose's goal-scoring record. (Photo: AFP/Vietnam News Agency)
Messi equals Miroslav Klose's goal-scoring record. (Photo: AFP/Vietnam News Agency)

The 39-year-old captain scored three times to move level with former Germany striker Klose on 16 World Cup goals. The feat came in Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina and further strengthened his place in football history.

Messi opened the scoring with a trademark curling effort into the top corner to put Argentina ahead 1-0. He doubled the lead in the 60th minute with a close-range finish before completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a clinical strike that left goalkeeper Zidane with no chance.

The three-goal display ensured Argentina began their title defence with victory and brought Messi level with Klose's long-standing World Cup mark.

Messi still has at least two group-stage matches remaining, giving him an opportunity to move ahead of Klose during the tournament.

The Argentina star also became the first player to appear in six World Cup editions, having featured in the tournaments of 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.

Across those six campaigns, Messi's greatest success came in 2022, when he guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

VietnamPlus Xem link nguồn

You may be interested

null