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Messi hat-trick ties Klose, becomes oldest World Cup scorer

6/17/2026

38 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Messi Ties Record

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Algeria June 16, 2026 in Kansas City.
The hat-trick gave him 16 World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose’s record and making him the oldest (38 years, 357 days) to score a hat-trick.
It marked his first World Cup hat-trick, his sixth tournament and his 200th cap.
He was subbed in the 80th minute and earned ovation from 69,000 crowd.

Summary

Messi Odds Surge

Messi’s Golden Boot odds surged to +250 after his hat-trick, up from +1900, making him the favorite.
Mbappé’s odds fell to +270, Haaland’s to +700, Kane’s to +950, and FIFA ticket resale prices dropped to $69 before kickoff, down from the $220-$620 range.
A goat in an Argentina jersey appeared at a Power & Light watch party with Jameis Winston, while thousands at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium wore Messi’s No. 10 jersey.

Summary

Iraq Secures

Iraq secured the 48th World Cup spot with a 2-1 playoff win over Bolivia in March.
Aymen Hussein scored Iraq’s first World Cup goal since 1986, when Ahmed Radhi scored against Belgium, and was detained for hours by United States (U.S.) immigration officials upon arrival.
Coach Graham Arnold said defensive lapses that allowed Haaland’s two goals were the only mistakes that hurt Iraq, with Iraqi fans filling stadium chanting behind post.

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Messi Ties Record

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Algeria June 16, 2026 in Kansas City.
The hat-trick gave him 16 World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose’s record and making him the oldest (38 years, 357 days) to score a hat-trick.
It marked his first World Cup hat-trick, his sixth tournament and his 200th cap.
He was subbed in the 80th minute and earned ovation from 69,000 crowd.

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