Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick and equaled the tournament’s goalscoring record tonight, as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday.
The world’s best player drew level with German striker Miroslav Klose who led the goalscoring list with 16 goals, less than two hours after Frenchman Kylian Mbappe surpassed him with two goals in his team’s 3-1 win over Senegal, which made him his country’s top scorer.
Ronaldo, a Brazilian citizen, ranks second on the list with 15 goals, while Mbappe tied with West German Gerd Muller with 14 goals.
“Enjoying this with my family, with my teammates, those who are always there, is a great moment,” Messi said afterwards. “I am happy.”
Messi set the first tone that evening. A good effort from outside the penalty area in the 17th minute found the top right corner, despite Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane getting a fingertip on the ball.
Argentina’s lead was doubled in stoppage time when Messi latched on to Alexis Mac Allister’s cross, and the magician ended his night with a left-footer in the 76th minute.
