LIONEL Messi has written another astonishing chapter in football history by equalling the all-time World Cup scoring record after netting a sublime hat-trick in Argentina's three-nil victory over Algeria in their Group J curtain-raiser today.
The legendary playmaker, who celebrates his 39th birthday later this month, has now accumulated sixteen World Cup goals, drawing level with the long-standing benchmark set by Germany's iconic striker Miroslav Klose.
Reuters reported that the historic milestone arrived during a landmark fixture for the Argentine captain, who simultaneously became the first footballer in history to compete in six separate World Cup tournaments while collecting his two hundredth international cap.
The defending world champions established their dominance in the seventeenth minute when the veteran forward unleashed a clinical strike from outside the penalty area to break the deadlock.
The advantage was doubled in the sixtieth minute when the captain capably converted from close range following intricate build-up play that left the Algerian defence exposed.
The masterful individual display was completed in the seventy-sixth minute when he accurately guided a powerful effort into the corner of the net, leaving the Algerian goalkeeper beaten and securing a flawless start to Argentina's title defence. - June 17, 2026
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