Overview
- Messi scored a World Cup hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Saturday to move level with Miroslav Klose on 16 tournament goals.
- He broke down in tears after his first goal and reports say his father is recovering from a recent health issue, adding an emotional layer to the performance.
- Coach Lionel Scaloni and teammates described Messi as the team’s tactical and emotional centre, saying Argentina’s system is built around his presence.
- Analysts credit Messi’s 2023 move to Inter Miami for reducing his seasonal load and helping preserve his sharpness and fitness at age 38.
- Argentina travel to Dallas to face Austria next, a match that offers Messi the chance to break the record and helps determine whether the defending champions can move closer to repeating Brazil’s 1962 back-to-back title run.