KANSAS CITY, United States, June 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time record for goals at World Cup tournaments when he netted for the 16th time in Argentina's opening match against Algeria on Tuesday.

The Argentine veteran, playing at a record sixth World Cup, scored from distance in the first half and poked home from close range in the second period.

He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sending the massed ranks of Argentine fans in Kansas City wild.