Lionel Messi produced a dazzling hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 on 16 June, a result that saw the defending champions’ captain equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record of 16.

According to AFP, “Lionel Messi scored a dazzling hat-trick for Argentina yesterday, 16 June to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 goals at World Cups as the defending champions swept Algeria aside 3-0.”

The match in Kansas City unfolded on a landmark night for the Argentina star, with AFP noting that “on a night for the ages… the records kept tumbling for Argentina’s miracle man, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time.”

When the game kicked off at the home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, Messi became the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments, also marking his 200th international appearance.

The 38-year-old, who debuted at the World Cup as a teenager in 2006, delivered a decisive performance for the reigning champions, scoring three goals in a clinical display.

“To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment,” Messi said, as quoted by AFP. “I’m happy.”

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

AFP reported that Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a “majestic finish from distance”, sparking celebrations among travelling supporters who turned the stadium into a near-home atmosphere.

He added a second goal after the interval, converting a rebound to move to within one goal of Klose’s record, before completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute with an emphatic finish.

“The diminutive genius was substituted shortly afterwards”, AFP noted, leaving supporters waiting to see whether he would take sole ownership of the record.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni praised the forward, saying, as quoted by AFP, “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.”

AFP further highlighted the historical context of the result, noting Argentina’s ambition to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.

Messi’s appearance also placed him in rare statistical company, as he became only the third male player to reach 200 international caps, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also set to equal Messi’s record of six World Cup appearances if he features for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.

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