Messi becomes all-time World Cup leading scorer with hat-trick against Algeria

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5614184/2024/07/06/lionel-messi-lamine-yamal-photo-barcelona/

Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s previous record. This achievement highlights Messi’s exceptional longevity and consistent performance, maintaining elite output even at the age of 38. The news, reported by BBC Sport, underscores Messi’s continued impact on the sport, as he competes in his sixth World Cup. His sustained success is reflected in the markets, with a notable rise in the odds for him to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Key Takeaways

• Messi’s new status as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer suggests a boost in his Golden Boot prospects, with recent market odds reflecting this.
• The market pricing indicates increased confidence in Messi’s ability to outperform rivals like Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane in scoring.
• Messi’s performance at the 2026 World Cup appears consistent with scenarios where Argentina advances far, increasing his goal opportunities.

What to Watch

As the World Cup progresses, Messi’s continued performance will be critical. Indicators such as his playing time and Argentina’s advancement in the tournament will likely influence market perceptions. Watch for any developments regarding Messi’s fitness or strategic changes by Argentina’s coach that may affect his goal-scoring chances. These factors could further impact the market’s view on his potential to secure the Golden Boot.

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