Messi equals Klose’s World Cup goal record with hat-trick against Algeria

Lionel Messi has equaled Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the all-time top goal scorer in the World Cup. Messi, who scored his first World Cup hat-trick, delivered an outstanding performance against Algeria.

The 38-year-old Messi thrilled thousands of fans worldwide by scoring 16 goals, sharing the top spot with Klose on the list. To become the sole top scorer, he will have to wait at least until next Monday.

In their first match of Group ‘J’, Argentina made an impressive start, applying pressure from the beginning. Messi, who spent 78 minutes on the field, scored three goals, giving his team a spectacular start.

He scored one goal in the first half and added two more in the second half. In the 17th minute, Messi made a striking goal from outside the box following a pass from De Paul. He scored his second goal in the 60th minute. After a powerful shot by Alexis Mac Allister from 25 yards was blocked by the goalkeeper, Messi converted the rebound into an easy goal.

Messi completed his first World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute of the match. He finished it off with another excellent strike following a pass from substitute Nico Gonzalez.

With Messi’s three goals, Argentina has started its title defense campaign in a dangerous rhythm, presenting a strong claim from the outset.