‘Just a Statistic’ — Messi Reacts After Matching World Cup Scoring Record

Lionel Messi says becoming the World Cup’s joint all-time leading scorer is “just a statistic” after delivering a brilliant hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria.

The Argentina captain produced another masterclass in Kansas City on Tuesday, scoring three times to equal Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.

The hat-trick was the first of Messi’s World Cup career and further strengthened Argentina’s hopes of defending their world title.

Brazil legend Ronaldo remains just behind on 15 goals, while Kylian Mbappe also continued his rise after scoring twice in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal.

Despite reaching another historic milestone, Messi insisted he was more focused on enjoying the moment with his family and teammates.

“To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment,” he said.

Messi also played down the importance of the record itself.

“It’s an honour to be there, given what it means to stand alongside Klose or the others.”

He added:

“In the end, it’s just a statistic and nothing more.”

Argentina are now chasing back-to-back World Cup titles, something no nation has achieved since Brazil in 1962.

Messi praised the spirit within the squad after their winning start to the tournament.

“The squad, it’s a very united, very strong group,” he said.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted he was running out of words to describe the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

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

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister insisted Messi remains the heart of the national team, while Rodrigo De Paul described the veteran forward as “a beast.”

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