Lionel Messi has described his record-equalling World Cup goals tally as “just a number” after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, a performance that saw him draw level with Miroslav Klose as the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals.

‎

‎For many football fans, it was another historic chapter in an extraordinary career. For Messi, however, the moment was less about records and more about sharing a special occasion with the people closest to him.

‎

‎The 38-year-old rolled back the years with a dazzling display in Kansas City on Tuesday, netting all three goals as Argentina opened their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion. It was also the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career, adding another remarkable feat to a trophy cabinet already overflowing with honours.

‎

‎Yet, while supporters celebrated a new milestone, Messi was quick to play down the significance of the achievement.

‎

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

‎

‎His three goals took him level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the summit of the World Cup scoring chart, placing him among football’s most celebrated names. Still, Messi insisted records are not what drive him.

‎

‎“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. Mbappé as well, who scored two today. In the end, it’s just a statistic and nothing more,” he said.

‎

‎Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni offered a different perspective, describing Messi’s longevity and consistency as something football may never fully explain.

‎

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

‎

‎The coach’s remarks captured the sense of admiration that continues to surround Messi even as he enters the twilight of his career. Two decades after emerging as one of football’s brightest talents, he remains the heartbeat of Argentina’s national team and a source of inspiration for teammates and opponents alike.

‎

‎Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said Messi’s latest display served as a reminder of his unmatched value to the reigning world champions.

‎

‎“If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all,” he said.

‎

‎Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi’s closest allies in the squad, could only marvel at what he witnessed.

‎

‎“He’s a beast,” De Paul said.

‎

‎The victory gives Argentina an ideal start in their quest to retain the World Cup title. More importantly, it provided another reminder that even at 38, Messi remains capable of producing moments that leave the football world in awe.

‎

‎As records continue to tumble around him, the Argentine legend appears content to leave the numbers for others to celebrate, preferring instead to cherish the memories created with family, teammates and supporters who have accompanied him on one of football’s greatest journeys.

‎