Argentina 3-0 Algeria as Messi Equals Goalscoring Record
Photo: REUTERS
Lionel Messi has equalled the World Cup goalscoring record, netting a hat-trick as Argentina launched their title defence with a 3-0 win over Algeria.
The match, held at Kansas City Stadium, saw the 38-year-old talisman reach his 200th senior international appearance in spectacular fashion.
Messi began the day trailing Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals by three, but he drew level with the former German international within 76 minutes of play. The opening stages were frantic, with officials ruling out efforts from both Messi and Algeria’s Fares Chaibi for offside.
The Argentine captain broke the deadlock by collecting the ball 30 yards from goal, expertly turning his marker, and launching a curled finish beyond the reach of goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
Algeria remained resilient for the remainder of the first half, limiting Argentina’s opportunities to an Alexis Mac Allister header that cleared the crossbar. Anis Hadj Moussa created a rare opening for the Fennec Foxes, but a deflection softened his low strike, allowing Emiliano Martinez to save comfortably.
Following the break, Messi continued to orchestrate Argentina’s attack. After flashing a 20-yard effort over the bar, he played in Lautaro Martinez, whose dangerous cross was intercepted by Zidane.
Messi’s second goal arrived shortly after, as he pounced on a rebound to finish with his right foot when Zidane failed to secure a powerful strike from Mac Allister. The veteran completed his treble with a signature curling strike from the edge of the penalty area.
With the record now equalled, Messi has the opportunity to claim the title of the World Cup’s greatest-ever goalscorer when Argentina face Austria on 22 June. Meanwhile, Algeria will look to bounce back in their next Group J fixture against Jordan.
