Lionel Messi equals insane 60-year World Cup record with a thunderous goal vs. Algeria
· Yahoo Sports
Lionel Messi is already shaping Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria, and his first major contribution has added another historic milestone to his tournament career.
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Argentina are leading 1-0 at the time of writing, with Messi breaking the deadlock from distance. The game is still unfolding, but the strike has already moved him level with a record held by one of Brazil’s legendary names.
For a player whose career has been defined by almost every attacking benchmark, this one speaks as much to his range as it does to his longevity.
Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty ImagesLionel Messi equals Rivellino’s World Cup record with goal against Algeria
As noted by OptaJoe on X, Messi’s goal against Algeria has brought him level with Rivellino for the most goals scored from outside the box in World Cup history since 1966.
“Lionel Messi has scored five goals from outside the box in his FIFA World Cup career, equalling the most of any player since 1966 (Rivellino).”
The record highlights a different aspect of Messi’s influence on the tournament. He is not only adding goals across different eras, he is still doing it in ways that shift matches before defenses have time to react.
Rivellino’s legacy adds weight to the achievement. The Brazilian was known for his powerful left foot and long-range strikes in the 1970s, so Messi joining him on this mark underlines the Argentina captain’s enduring quality from distance.
Lionel Messi keeps Argentina in front as Algeria chase equalizer
With Argentina still 1-0 ahead and Algeria searching for a way back, the timing of Messi’s goal is already important beyond the record.
Argentina are beginning their title defense under pressure to set the right tone, and his early strike has given them control of the contest. Messi entered the tournament with four World Cup goals from outside the box, with previous long-range finishes forming part of his runs in 2014 and 2022.
This latest effort takes him to five, matching the highest total since modern records began. There is still time left for the story of Argentina vs Algeria to change, but Messi has already drawn level with a benchmark that stretches across six decades.
Moreover, the Argentine superstar is now just two goals away from equalling Miroslav Klose’s tally of 16 for the most goals scored in the history of the World Cup.
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