Lionel Messi becomes oldest to score hat-trick in FIFA World Cup, joint highest scorer

Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to their third World Cup crown four years ago, added yet another extraordinary chapter to his storied career on Tuesday (June 16) when he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the FIFA World Cup. With this feat, the 38-year-old eclipsed his contemporary rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who had registered a hat-trick on football's highest stage in 2018, at the age of 33.

As Messi scored all three of la Albiceleste's goals in their launching campaign against Algeria in Kansas City in a Group J game, he became the joint highest scorer in the history of the football World Cup, levelling former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, with 16 goals.

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The legend's hat-trick also came in his 200th international appearance. He also became only the second player to score in five editions (he could not score a goal in the 2010 edition in South Africa). Both Messi and Ronald are appearing in their record sixth World Cup this year.

The date was also historic. It was exactly 20 years ago that Messi made his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro in Germany. That game also marked history for Messi as he had become the youngest Argentinian then to score a World Cup goal at 18.

Surpasses Ronaldo, levels Klose

As Messi netted the ball in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes, he not only bettered Ronaldo, who had scored a hat-trick against Spain in the 2018 edition played in Russia, He also registered 16 career World Cup goals, drawing him level with Klose for the most goals and it is a matter of time that he would better it and make it challenging to touch, given Argentina have their entire mission left in this edition.

Messi's tears after first goal

While the hat-trick dominated the headlines, it was a far more human moment that captured hearts globally. Cameras caught Messi visibly emotional after scoring Argentina's opening goal, his eyes welling with tears in front of thousands inside the stadium.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Messi addressed the emotional moment directly: "I cried after the first goal, yes, but it was something completely unrelated to football. I went through some difficult days, but I'm grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength."

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Though he chose not to elaborate on the personal nature of what he had been through, Messi made a point of expressing deep gratitude, thanking his teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire Argentine delegation for standing by him in the days leading up to the tournament.

What's next for Argentina

With three crucial points secured, Argentina now set their sights on their remaining group fixtures, facing Austria on June 22, before rounding off the group stage against Jordan on June 28.

The defending champions are seeking to become the first team to successfully retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.