Messi equals Klose’s World Cup goal record with historic hat trick

According to FIFA records, it was the first World Cup hat trick of Messi’s illustrious career.

KANSAS CITY: Argentina captain Lionel Messi equaled the FIFA World Cup goal-scoring record held by German great Miroslav Klose after netting a hat trick in Argentina’s emphatic victory over Algeria.

The 38-year-old forward delivered a memorable performance, scoring three times to guide Argentina to a convincing win while also reaching several personal milestones.

According to FIFA records, it was the first World Cup hat trick of Messi’s illustrious career. At 38 years and 357 days old, he also became the oldest player in tournament history to score a hat trick at a FIFA World Cup.

Messi’s three goals took his World Cup tally to 16, matching the record set by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who previously stood alone as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.

The latest achievement adds another chapter to Messi’s remarkable World Cup legacy, further cementing his place among the greatest players in football history.