World Cup goals record just a number, says Messi

Lionel Messi achieved a significant milestone by becoming the World Cup's joint all-time leading goalscorer, but he characterized the achievement as merely a statistic. The Argentinian captain netted a brilliant hat-trick in his team's 3-0 win against Algeria, bringing his total to 16 World Cup goals, matching Germany's Miroslav Klose.

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Ultimately, it is just a statistic, nothing more.

"It’s an honour to be there, given what it means to stand alongside Klose or the others," Messi said. "Ronaldo is there too, but I don’t think it means anything, Mbappe as well, who scored two today. In the end, it’s just a statistic and nothing more."

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It’s an honour to be there, given what it means to stand alongside Klose or the others. Ronaldo is there too, but I don’t think it means anything, Mbappe as well, who scored two today. In the end, it’s just a statistic and nothing more.

The 38-year-old forward's performance, his first World Cup hat-trick, also places him ahead of legends like Ronaldo (15 goals) and Gerd Muller. Messi shared his joy in experiencing this moment with his family and teammates, highlighting the team's strong unity and their crucial opening win.

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The squad, it’s a very united, very strong group. I feel good. We were lucky enough to win a tough match. It’s important to start off with a win in the first game.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his admiration, stating he no longer has words to describe Messi's consistent brilliance over two decades. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister emphasized Messi's continued importance to the team, while Rodrigo De Paul called him "a beast."

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For 20 years, he’s had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play.