Messi, 38, makes history: Hat-trick vs Algeria sees him equal Klose’s World Cup goal record

● Argentina captain scores 3, reaches 16 World Cup goals as defending champions open title defence with 3-0 win

Lionel Messi did it again. And then again. And once more for the history books.

In Argentina’s World Cup title defence opener Tuesday, the 38-year-old captain delivered a masterclass hat-trick to power La Albiceleste to a 3-0 rout of Algeria in Group J.

With it, Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.

–The night of milestones–

The match was a parade of “firsts” for Messi:
1. 16 World Cup goals — Joint all-time leading scorer, tied with Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
2. 6th World Cup tournament — First player in men’s World Cup history to feature in six editions.
3. 200th cap for Argentina — Hit the double-century mark in the same game.

“Another masterclass from the Argentina captain,” as it played out on the pitch.

–How he did it–

Messi announced himself early, curling home from the edge of the box in the 17th minute. Classic Messi.

He added a poacher’s finish on the hour mark — a tap-in after Algeria’s defence switched off.

Then, the record-equaliser. 76th minute. Precise shot into the bottom corner. 3-0. Hat-trick complete. Stadium erupted.

—Defending champions start strong–

Argentina began their campaign to defend the 2022 title with authority. The 3-0 scoreline sends a message to Group J rivals and puts Messi right back in the Golden Boot conversation.

With his 39th birthday later this month [June 24], the forward keeps rewriting the age script. Six World Cups. 200 caps. Now level with Klose on 16 goals. Only one goal away from standing alone at the top.

Argentina will need more of this if they’re to go back-to-back. For Messi, one more World Cup goal makes him the outright record holder — a fitting final chapter if this is his last tournament.

For now, the record is shared. The legend keeps growing.