Lionel Messi equals World Cup goals record as Argentina beats Algeria
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, marking his 200th international appearance and tying the all-time World Cup goal-scoring record. The match was part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in the United States.
Why it matters
This event represents a significant milestone in sports history, highlighting the enduring legacy of one of football's most iconic players.
Lionel Messi opened his record-breaking sixth World Cup with a hat-trick to become the tournament’s joint all-time top scorer on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) as holders Argentina launched their bid for back-to-back titles with a dazzling 3-0 rout of Algeria.
The article provides a factual account of a sporting event and historical statistics without bias.
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