Lionel Messi Ties World Cup Scoring Record With Hat-Trick Against Algeria

How Messi’s hat-trick tied him with Klose—and why it matters

The 38-year-old Messi, who opened the scoring in the eighth minute before being ruled offside, completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute to tie Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record of 16 goals. His second goal came on the hour after a rebound from Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane. The final strike—a low drive from outside the box—cemented his place in history, though it also sparked questions about whether he had received “special treatment” from the referee, as The New York Times reported.

Messi’s performance was a masterclass in dominance. After a minor hamstring injury slowed him in pre-tournament preparations, he arrived in Kansas City with a penalty goal against Iceland just days earlier. By the 45th minute, he had silenced critics questioning his fitness, combining speed, vision, and finishing in a display that left Algeria’s defense disorganized from the start.

His first goal—a drive from close range—was initially ruled offside, but the second, a tap-in from a rebound, and the third, a precise finish from outside the box, showcased his ability to dictate games even in his sixth World Cup. The hat-trick also overshadowed other opening-day stars: Kylian Mbappe (France) and Erling Haaland (Norway) both scored twice in their respective matches, but Messi’s achievement was unmatched in scale.

The controversial challenge that could have changed the game

Between Messi’s first and second goals, a challenge on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi drew scrutiny. According to The New York Times, the referee, Polish official Szymon Marciniak, awarded a free kick instead of a yellow or red card for a tackle on Mandi’s Achilles tendon. Opposition fans and pundits immediately questioned whether Messi had received “special treatment,” a narrative that has followed him throughout his career.

For more on this story, see Messi Sidelined in Inter Miami Match Ahead of World Cup.

Messi’s ability to navigate such moments—whether through skill, luck, or perceived favoritism—has been a recurring theme in World Cup history. In 2022, Argentina’s opening loss to Saudi Arabia set the stage for their eventual title victory, but this time, there was no upset. Algeria, despite being Africa Cup of Nations champions in 2019, were outclassed from the start, with Fares Chaibi’s early strike ruled out for offside.

Argentina’s road ahead: Can they repeat as champions?

Argentina’s next match is against Austria on June 21, a potential preview of the group stage’s challenges. With Messi now tied with Klose for the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, the pressure is on to add to his tally—and Argentina’s trophy collection. The team’s 2022 path to victory included a dramatic final against France, but this time, they start as favorites, with Messi’s form proving he remains the tournament’s focal point.

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Yet questions linger. Will the referee controversies persist? Can Argentina’s defense, which has struggled at times, hold firm against deeper counterattacks? And how will Messi’s fitness hold up as the tournament progresses? His substitution after the hat-trick—met with a standing ovation—hinted at a tactical move to preserve him for future games, but the message was clear: this World Cup belongs to him.

Who else is making waves in the opening matches?

While Messi stole the show, other stars delivered in the World Cup’s opening day. Kylian Mbappe’s two goals for France against Senegal tied him for fourth on the all-time scoring list with 14, while Erling Haaland’s brace for Norway against Iraq underscored his status as the tournament’s deadliest striker. Austria also secured a 3-1 win over Jordan, setting up a potential clash with Argentina in the group stage.

Mbappe’s performance, however, came with a shadow. His two goals were not enough to prevent France from losing their opening match—a stark contrast to Argentina’s dominance. The early results suggest that while Messi remains the undisputed king, the tournament’s unpredictability is far from over.

What happens next: The stakes for Argentina and beyond

Argentina’s path to defending their title hinges on three key factors: Messi’s fitness, the team’s defensive solidity, and whether they can avoid early upsets. With their next match against Austria just days away, the focus will shift to whether they can maintain this form—or if the tournament’s surprises have only just begun.

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For Messi, the hat-trick was more than a personal milestone; it was a statement. At 38, he has silenced doubts about his relevance and reaffirmed why he is considered the greatest of his generation. But in a World Cup where underdogs have repeatedly challenged giants, Argentina’s journey will be tested at every turn. One thing is certain: the world is still living in Messi’s era—and this tournament is just getting started.

Sources: Al Jazeera, <a href="https://www.nytimes.