Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on June 16, 2026. (Photo by Roberto Schmidt / AFP)
Kansas City: 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 opening match against Algeria on Tuesday.
The Argentine veteran, playing at a record sixth World Cup, scored from distance in the first half and poked home from close range in the second period.
He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sending the massed ranks of Argentine fans in Kansas City wild.
