Lionel Messi equals World Cup scoring record with hat-trick in Argentina's win over Algeria
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Lionel Messi achieved a significant milestone in his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, scoring a hat-trick to become the joint all-time top scorer in the tournament with 16 goals. This feat occurred during Argentina's 3-0 victory against Algeria, launching their bid for consecutive titles. Messi, 38, made his 200th international appearance and became the first player to participate in six World Cups. His hat-trick included goals in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes, moving him past Gerd Muller and Kylian Mbappe, and then drawing level with Miroslav Klose. Meanwhile, France began their tournament with a 3-1 win over Senegal, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice, surpassing Olivier Giroud as France's leading goalscorer with 58 goals in 99 games. Erling Haaland also marked his World Cup debut with two goals in Norway's 4-1 victory against Iraq, bringing his international tally to 57 goals in 51 matches. Later, World Cup debutants Jordan were set to face Austria.
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