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France 24
France 24
Sport
FRANCE24

Argentina’s Messi equals World Cup goalscoring record with hat-trick in defeat of Algeria

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the opener against Algeria on his 200th appearance for Argentina.
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the opener against Algeria on his 200th appearance for Argentina. © Claudia Greco, Reuters

Lionel Messi piled up the records as he scored all three goals for Argentina in their 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria on Tuesday, becoming the first player to feature in six World Cups and matching former Germany ​striker ​Miroslav ​Klose's tally ​of 16 goals on football's biggest stage.

Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time record for goals at World Cup tournaments when he netted for the 16th time in Argentina's 3-0 opening win over Algeria on Tuesday.

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