Messi equals World Cup goal record, needs one more to top list

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their 2026 World Cup opener, equalling Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals. The 39-year-old captain, whose father is recovering from an unspecified health issue, said he needs just one more goal to become the outright top scorer in World Cup history. Argentina face Austria in Dallas on Monday; a win would secure their place in the next round and guarantee top spot in Group J if Jordan fails to beat Algeria later that day.

Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe will play his 100th match for France when they meet Iraq in Philadelphia, aiming to add to his 14 World Cup goals. Cape Verde held Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in Miami, keeping their knockout hopes alive, while Spain thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0 to lead Group H. Thunderstorms are forecast for the France‑Iraq clash in Philadelphia.

For Nigerian football fans, Messi’s milestone shows that elite performance can extend well into a player’s late thirties, offering a model of longevity and professionalism. With Argentina’s upcoming match and the tight qualification scenarios, fans can watch how veteran leadership influences team dynamics in high‑stakes games. Will you look for similar resilience in Nigeria’s own athletes, or use this as a benchmark when evaluating local talent and dedication?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/22/ageless-messi-has-world-cup-scoring-record-in-his-sights/