'Timeless brilliance': Infantino hails Messi on equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record
New Delhi, June 17
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has lauded Lionel Messi for equalling Miroslav Klose of Germany at the top of the all-time scoring list at the FIFA World Cup, saying this record speaks of the Argentine's "timeless brilliance."
Messi was already making history by taking the field against Algeria in the Group J opener as he made a record sixth finals appearance. He further added to his legacy by scoring an exquisite hat trick to level Klose's historic scoring mark.
"@leomessi has arrived in style, scoring his first FIFA World Cup hat-trick! An amazing, capacity crowd witnessed greatness as the defending world champions 🇦🇷 @afaseleccion got off to a winning start against 🇩🇿 Algeria in 🇺🇸 @fwc26kansascity," Infantino, who was spotted in the stands applauding Messi’s goal, shared on Instagram.
Messi started the day three adrift of Miroslav Klose's mark of 16 goals on the global stage, but within 76 minutes of this match he was on level terms with the former Germany international.
In another post, he wrote, "Congratulations to world champion 🇦🇷 @leomessi on scoring your 16th FIFA World Cup goal and equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time goalscoring record! This record speaks of your timeless brilliance as you continue to spread happiness to millions the world over."
Earlier in the day, Kylian Mbappe scored twice to become France's all-time leading scorer with 58 goals as France powered past Senegal in the opening game of Group I, whileErling Haaland immediately followed in Mbappe's footsteps with a dynamic double of his own on his World Cup debut to guide Norway to 4-1 win over Iraq.
"What a fantastic day of football at the FIFA World Cup! A hat-trick from @leomessi following a brace each from @k.mbappe and @erling in front of full stadiums and incredible atmospheres. This @fifaworldcup is setting new records and bringing a lot of joy to fans all over the world," Infantino said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Brilliant achievement, no doubt. But Infantino praising Messi while the World Cup format keeps changing and corruption scandals keep surfacing? That's rich. Focus on making the tournament fair for smaller nations too, FIFA. Messi doesn't need your PR, his football speaks for itself.
Bhai, Messi's hat-trick was jaw-dropping! And then Mbappe and Haaland scoring too—what a day for football! Makes me dream of India playing at this level. We have talent, just need better grassroots development. Kudos to Messi for showing age is just a number. 🐐🔥
Respect to Klose's record, but Messi doing this in a hat-trick at 38? Unreal. The man has been carrying Argentina for years. That said, I wish Infantino would applaud Asian football too—where's the love for teams like Japan or Saudi Arabia who also make history? Still, viva Messi! 🇦🇷❤️
As an American, I'm just happy to see the World Cup in our backyard! Messi's performance was something else—my kids were jumping around the room. Sure, Infantino is a controversial figure, but today was about the beautiful game. Messi is the GOAT, period. 🏆
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