Messi Equals World Cup Scoring Record with Hat-Trick Against Algeria

Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team and Inter Miami club, matched the record for the most goals scored in World Cup finals history by reaching 16 goals. This achievement came during Argentina's opening match against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Messi led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria by scoring all three goals in the match, completing a hat-trick. At 38 years old, he demonstrated his continued ability to influence games and responded strongly to those who doubted his capabilities before the tournament began.

The goals from Argentina’s captain were scored in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes, providing the reigning champions with an ideal start to their title defense campaign.

This milestone marked Messi’s 16th World Cup goal across his tournament appearances. His scoring record includes one goal in 2006, no goals in 2010, four goals in 2014, one goal in 2018, seven goals in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and three goals in the 2026 edition.

Comparison with Miroslav Klose's World Cup Record

In contrast, Miroslav Klose scored his 16 World Cup goals over four tournaments: five goals in 2002, five in 2006, four in 2010, and two in 2014. The 2014 tournament saw Klose become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

Messi also set another record by becoming the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match, achieving this feat exactly twenty years after scoring his first World Cup goal.

Match Overview and Key Moments

During the first half, possession was relatively balanced between Argentina and Algeria, with Argentina showing clear attacking superiority. Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute after earlier goals from both teams were disallowed for offside.

In the second half, Argentina increased their control over the game and extended their lead with two additional goals from Messi, completing his hat-trick and securing a 3-0 win for his team.

The match began with early offensive pressure from Algeria, while Argentina attempted to impose their usual style of ball possession and attack construction. The first significant chance came in the 4th minute when Lautaro Martínez rose to head a cross, but Algeria’s goalkeeper Luca Zidane—son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, who watched from the stands—successfully saved the attempt. The referee then ruled the play offside.