Messi’s three makes history

Scores World Cup hat-trick and equals all-time record of 16 goals

Football’s undisputed superstar Lionel Messi proved on yet another occasion that he can be branded the sport’s greatest goal scorer in World Cup history as he scored three goals in a row for Argentina to subdue Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, USA yesterday. 

Having lifted Argentina to the World Cup in 2022 and going in for their opening game as defending champion, it did not take long for Messi to showcase that his sixth World Cup appearance was as good as any other or perhaps retire as the best player the world have ever seen.

There was no stopping Messi after he landed the first goal and many at the venue knew he was in for something better than he had in the last World Cup. Messi, who will celebrate his 39th birthday on June 24, obliged spectators for what they paid to see.

The occasion marked Messi’s first World Cup hat-trick of goals and a record-equalling 16th World Cup goal along with Germany’s Miroslav Klose and the two becoming the all-time leading scorers in the tournament’s history.

Messi also became the first player in history to feature at six World Cups beating Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo by just a day having made his first appearance at the age of 18 in Germany 2006 and now completing 200 appearances for his country on the international stage.

There were a few moments of concern after his opener when Messi’s studs caught the top of Aissa Mandi’s heel just past the half hour mark but, no action was taken, and the Argentine took full advantage.

“The squad, it’s a very united, very strong group. I feel good; we were lucky enough to win a tough match. It’s important to start off with a win in the first game.

“I’m grateful to the fans, because once again they’ve shown that Argentina is crazy about this - we packed the stadium again.

“Everything I’m experiencing now is a bonus. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve all my dreams — or even more than I ever dreamed of achieving — both professionally and personally.”

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said: “I don’t have the words to describe Messi. For 20 years, he’s had us used to seeing things like this and he inspires everyone who watches him play.”

After Messi’s opening show, Argentina, according to the bookmakers cannot be written off as a team hoping to win a fourth World Cup.

Argentina’s next match is against Austria.