Lionel Messi Matches Klose’s All-Time Men’s Record and Scores Maiden World Cup Hat Trick Against Algeria

In a performance that redefined his already mythical World Cup legacy, Lionel Messi produced a stunning hat trick in Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener, leading the reigning champions to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri . The three-goal masterclass was not just a match-winning display; it was a historic night that saw the 38-year-old equal the sport's most coveted record and finally achieve the one personal milestone that had previously eluded him on football's biggest stage.

A Historic Treble Ties the All-Time Record

Messi entered the tournament with 13 World Cup goals across five previous editions. His clinical performance against Algeria began with a strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 17th minute, followed by a close-range finish on the hour mark, and was completed with an unstoppable goal in the 76th minute . The third goal was his 16th at the World Cup, drawing him level with German legend Miroslav Klose for the most career goals in the tournament's history .

This was a record Klose had set over four tournaments, culminating in the 2014 World Cup, and had stood as the pinnacle of individual World Cup achievement ever since. Messi's hat trick ensured his name would sit alongside Klose's in the record books, with the chance to break the record outright later in the tournament .

First Career World Cup Hat Trick

Despite his trophy-laden career, an incredible 109 international goals, and countless records, a World Cup hat trick was the one prize missing from Messi's collection. Having graced the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments, he had never scored three in a single World Cup match—until June 16, 2026 .

The date itself had cosmic significance for the Argentine. Exactly 20 years earlier, on June 16, 2006, a teenage Messi scored his very first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro . By netting his first World Cup hat trick on the same calendar date two decades later, he bookended his tournament career with perfect symmetry.

A Night of Multiple Milestones

The hat trick and scoring record equaliser were the headlines, but the match featured other remarkable milestones that highlighted Messi's longevity and relentless excellence:

• Oldest player to score a World Cup brace: At 38, Messi became the oldest men's player to score two goals in a World Cup match, a feat he accomplished before completing his hat trick .
• Record sixth World Cup appearance: The 2026 tournament is Messi's sixth, a record for a men's player that will be difficult to surpass. He already held the record for most appearances by an Argentine .
• Flawless title defense launch: Messi single-handedly powered Argentina to a 3-0 win in their first match as defending champions, scoring from distance, poking home from close range, and finishing clinically to put the result beyond doubt .

The goalscoring clinic left the massed ranks of Argentine fans in Kansas City euphoric and sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament: at 38, and in what is likely his final World Cup, Lionel Messi is still writing history .