Messi Equals World Cup Scoring Record in Argentina’s 3-0 Victory
Lionel Messi delivered another historic World Cup performance on Tuesday, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria and equal the tournament’s all-time scoring record.
The Argentina captain took his World Cup tally to 16 goals, matching German legend Miroslav Klose. At 38 years old, Messi also became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick, further strengthening his legacy on football’s biggest stage.
Playing in his record sixth World Cup and earning his 200th international cap, Messi once again proved decisive for the defending champions.
Argentina thought they had taken an early lead inside five minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside. However, Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a powerful long-range strike after a precise pass from Rodrigo De Paul.
His second came shortly after the hour mark when he reacted quickly to a rebound after a shot from Alexis Mac Allister was spilled by the goalkeeper. Messi completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, finishing clinically from a pass by Nico González.
Algeria struggled to cope with Argentina’s attacking quality as the reigning champions controlled the match from start to finish.
Haaland Stars as Norway Return in Style with 4-1 Win Over Iraq
Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with a sensational two-goal performance as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener.
Norway, returning to the World Cup after 28 years, took the lead in the 29th minute when Haaland finished from close range after a low cross from David Møller Wolfe.
Iraq responded strongly and equalized through captain Aymen Hussein, who powered in a header from an Amir Al-Ammari cross.
However, Norway regained control before halftime when a defensive error allowed Haaland to score his second goal of the match.
In the second half, substitute Leo Østigård made it 3-1 with a header from a corner by Martin Ødegaard.
Deep into stoppage time, Iraq’s hopes were ended when Hussein accidentally turned the ball into his own net, completing a difficult night for the debutants.
Norway will next face Senegal in their upcoming Group I fixture.
