In Argentina's 3-0 Group J opener
against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, Messi scored in the 17th, 60th, and
76th minutes—his first World Cup hat-trick, tying Miroslav Klose's record of 16
goals in a record sixth tournament.
Hours later, 18-year-old Barcelona
sensation Lamine Yamal, playing for Spain, told RTVE that Messi's display
proves he is the greatest player in history, dismissing any doubts.
