Lionel Messi equals Mislorav Klose’s all-time FIFA World Cup record with Algeria hat-trick

Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 FIFA World Cup goals with a historic hat-trick against Algeria, while French talisman Kylian Mbappé kept close pace by reaching 14 goals earlier in the day.

Defending champions Argentina launched their World Cup title defence in spectacular fashion as captain Lionel Messi netted a historic hat-trick to defeat Algeria 3-0.

The maestro’s clinical treble tied him with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest goalscorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, marking his 200th international appearance in style.

The 38-year-old veteran showed zero signs of slowing down, orchestrating the offense and breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute with a spectacular 25-yard strike.

Messi doubled the lead from close range in the 60th minute before completing his first-ever World Cup hat-trick with a trademark curling effort, delighting the raucous crowd.

Aside from his goalscoring feat, Messi rewrote the record books by becoming the first footballer in history to feature in six different men’s FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Turning 39 later this month, the legendary forward also claimed the title of the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the competition, surpassing previous records.

The milestone capped an extraordinary day for global football, following a stellar performance by French forward Kylian Mbappé earlier in New Jersey.

Mbappé scored a brilliant second-half brace to guide France past Senegal 3-1, moving onto 14 career World Cup goals and positioning himself firmly in the race for the ultimate record.