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Messi Scores First World Cup Hat-Trick, Equals Klose's All-Time Goals Record on His 200th Cap
Times of India·Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as defending champions Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup 2026 opener. The goals drew him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals — the all-time record. It was also Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina, making him only the third men's player to reach that milestone.
Why It Matters
This is one of the biggest moments in football history — a 38-year-old legend rewriting the record books at what is likely his final World Cup.
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