Messi equals World Cup goals record as Argentina defeats Algeria
via The Namibian3 min read
Lionel Messi began his sixth World Cup by scoring a hat-trick, making him the joint all-time leading scorer in the tournament with 16 goals, alongside Miroslav Klose. This achievement occurred during Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria. Messi's hat-trick, his first in a World Cup, saw him surpass Gerd Muller and Kylian Mbappe, and then equal Ronaldo before matching Klose. Despite the milestone, Messi downplayed its significance, calling it "just a statistic." In other matches, Kylian Mbappe scored twice in France's 3-1 win against Senegal, becoming France's leading goalscorer with 58 goals. Erling Haaland also scored two goals in his World Cup debut, leading Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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Mexico became the first team to reach the World Cup knockout round after a 1-0 victory over South Korea. A goal from Luis Romo secured Mexico's top spot in Group A with a game remaining. South Korea is currently second with three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa each have one point. In other matches, Canada achieved their first-ever World Cup victory, defeating Qatar 6-0 in Group B. This win puts Canada on the brink of advancing to the last 32, needing only a point against Switzerland to finish first in their group. The Canadian victory was marked by a serious left leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after a challenge that resulted in a red card for Qatar's Assim Madibo. Canada coach Jesse Marsch stated that Kone was being treated in hospital for a suspected broken leg. Earlier, Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, reigniting their campaign in Group B. Johan Manzambi scored twice for Switzerland. South Africa also kept their qualification hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, with Teboho Mokoena scoring a penalty for South Africa.
Switzerland secured a 4-1 victory over 10-man Bosnia-Herzegovina in Los Angeles. Substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas were instrumental, with Manzambi scoring first from a Vargas cross. Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic was sent off for a tackle on Breel Embolo. Manzambi then created a goal for Vargas, and Vargas assisted another for Manzambi. Ermin Mamhic scored a consolation goal for Bosnia, but Granit Xhaka sealed the win with a penalty in stoppage time. This result places Switzerland at the top of Group B with four points. Early in the match, veteran midfielders Xhaka and Remo Freuler orchestrated attacks for Switzerland, while Edin Dzeko created Bosnia's first major chance. Nikola Vasilj saved a bicycle kick from Dan Ndoye. The game saw a shift after coach Murat Yakin made three substitutions in the 72nd minute, leading to the late surge of goals.