Messi shines with hat-trick on 200th international appearance, equals Klose's World Cup goal record

In his 27th World Cup match, the eight-time world footballer equaled Miroslav Klose's goal record. With now 16 goals at World Cup finals, the Argentine, who turns 39 next Sunday, drew level with the German record holder from 2014. "Ich rechne damit, dass mein Rekord in diesem Turnier fällt," Klose had told the Süddeutsche Zeitung beforehand. If Messi stays healthy, he is likely to actually break Klose's mark in the course of the 2026 World Cup.

Record equaled — Klose congratulates

Exactly 20 years earlier to the day, Messi had celebrated his World Cup debut in Gelsenkirchen against Serbia and Montenegro. Back then, the 18-year-old had been brought on as a substitute in the closing stages and had scored the 6:0 final goal. Even in that first World Cup appearance, he had set up a goal — a pattern that continues to this day: Alongside his 16 goals, Messi has assisted on nine more.

The hat-trick against Algeria was Messi's eleventh for the "Albiceleste" shirt and his first at a World Cup. "Es gibt keine Worte dafür," said the superstar after the match, visibly moved. He loved playing football, it was his passion, he added. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also congratulated him on social media: "Dieser Meilenstein spiegelt Ihre zeitlose Brillanz wider, mit der Sie weiterhin Millionen von Menschen auf der ganzen Welt Freude bereiten."

International media response

The Argentine team was by no means in gala form for long stretches. "Das ganz große Offensivfeuerwerk brennt die 'Albiceleste' zwar über weite Strecken nicht ab, aber es gibt ja Lionel Messi," wrote the Spanish Marca. The English daily Guardian raved that Messi had taken another step with this performance "um seinen Platz als größter Fußballer in der Geschichte des Sports zu festigen."

Internationally too, the waves ran high. The Italian daily Corriere della Sera headlined: "Die Welt liegt ihm zu Füßen." For Marca, it was "ein Tag, an dem die argentinische '10' dazu bestimmt war, Geschichte zu schreiben – und er enttäuschte nicht." His teammate Alexis Mac Allister praised him: "Wer auch immer dachte, dieses Team sei ohne Leo besser, dem wurde heute klar, dass er sich geirrt hat."

Mac Allister had also provided the assist for the 2:0: his long-range shot caught out Algeria's goalkeeper Luca Zidane, and Messi tapped in after an hour. For the 1:0, he had struck from around 20 meters — the son of French legend Zinédine Zidane did not look good in the process. The Argentine was also lucky when he escaped without even a yellow card after a kick to the shin by Aissa Mandi (31').

Standing ovations in Kansas City

Messi had already had the chance for the third goal in the 66th minute, but only made the hat-trick perfect in the 76th minute. In the 80th minute, he was taken off to a standing ovation from the nearly 70,000 spectators — a fitting farewell for a football giant on an evening that will go down in the history books.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni had fielded eight players in his starting XI who had played in the final victory four years ago against France. Argentina, in this form, is once again among the title contenders. In the race for the World Cup Golden Boot, France's Kylian Mbappé remains a serious rival: with 14 World Cup goals, the Frenchman sits just two behind Messi — and is twelve years younger.

For Messi, after his move to Inter Miami in 2023, it was also proof that he has lost none of his touch away from top-level European football. He had missed large parts of preparation due to a muscular injury — making his performance all the more impressive. The longer the game went on, the more it was shaped by the class of the exceptional footballer.

Next step: duel with Congo

"Er ist ein Genie," said the 2014 world champion with a view to Messi. A judgment that, after this evening in Kansas City, hardly anyone will seriously question any longer. Argentina's next opponent in Group J is on 22 June in Dallas against Congo, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1974 under the name Zaire.

Alongside the sporting records, the match also provided emotional moments. With tears in his eyes, Messi left the pitch — and spoke of "schwierigen Tagen" that lay behind him. Exactly which ones, he left open. What is clear: after 200 international appearances, 16 World Cup goals and countless moments of footballing magic, Lionel Messi has once more proven why he is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time.

What the world press is writing

The international press reactions were ecstatic. While Marca spoke of "ein Tag, an dem die argentinische '10' dazu bestimmt war, Geschichte zu schreiben," the Guardian saw the superstar "auf dem Weg, seinen Platz als größter Fußballer in der Geschichte des Sports zu festigen." They are words that are rarely spoken in the football world — and that underline the significance of this evening.

Looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures in Group J, Scaloni appeared satisfied but also cautionary: "Wir dürfen uns nicht auf diesem Ergebnis ausruhen. Das Turnier hat gerade erst begonnen." The Argentines know that defending the title can only be achieved through consistency and discipline. With a Messi in this form, however, the chances are as great as they have been in a long time.