- Messi's hat-trick at Kansas City Stadium saw him equal the all-time men's World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, drawing level with Germany's Miroslav Klose.
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is no longer surprised by the "inexplicable" feats of Lionel Messi after he scored all three goals in their 3-0 win over Algeria at the World Cup on June 16.
- Scaloni attributed the victory to the squad's chemistry, noting that the bond between teammates is what pulls them through when things become difficult.
- The result means Argentina have avoided the opening-match stumbles of their 2018 and 2022 campaigns and they now turn their attention to their next match against Austria in Arlington, Texas on June 22.
- Messi became the first man to compete in six World Cups and the oldest to score a hat-trick in the tournament's history – exactly 20 years to the day since his first goal on the global stage.
Lionel Messi made history on June 16, 2023, by becoming the first man to compete in six World Cups and the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament's history, achieving this milestone at the age of 38 during Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria.1245
Messi's hat-trick at Kansas City Stadium not only secured the win but also allowed him to equal the all-time men's World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, drawing level with Germany's Miroslav Klose. This remarkable performance came exactly 20 years after his first goal on the global stage, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, expressed his admiration for Messi's achievements, stating he is no longer surprised by the player's "inexplicable" feats. Scaloni attributed the team's success to their strong chemistry, emphasizing that the bond between teammates is crucial during challenging moments. The victory also means Argentina has avoided the opening-match stumbles of their previous World Cup campaigns in 2018 and 2022, as they now prepare for their next match against Austria in Arlington, Texas, on June 22.3
“Messi's hat-trick in the World Cup marks a historic achievement, making him the oldest player to score three goals in a match. Coach Scaloni highlights the importance of team chemistry in their victory and looks ahead to their next match against Austria.”
