Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick on Monday to lead Argentina to a 3-0 [2] victory over Algeria in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The performance marks a historic milestone in international football, as Messi now shares the record for the most goals scored in the history of the tournament.
The match took place on June 16, 2026 [3] at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, U.S. [4]. Messi's three goals secured a dominant win for the Argentine side and provided the captain with his first ever World Cup hat-trick [2].
With these three additions to his tally, Messi has reached 16 goals [1]. This total equals the long-standing record held by Germany's Miroslav Klose [1]. The result gives Argentina a flying start to their campaign in the tournament [2].
Throughout the contest, Argentina maintained control of the pitch, preventing Algeria from finding the net. The victory reinforces Argentina's position as a primary contender for the title, a status bolstered by the captain's peak form.
Messi's ascent to 16 goals [1] comes after years of pursuit of the all-time scoring mark. The match in Kansas City [4] served as the stage for the Argentine captain to match the efficiency of Klose in a World Cup setting.
“Messi now shares the record for the most goals scored in the history of the tournament.”
By equalling Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals, Messi has entered the final phase of his World Cup career with the opportunity to become the sole greatest goalscorer in the tournament's history. This achievement not only cements his individual legacy but provides Argentina with significant psychological momentum and offensive reliability heading into the knockout stages.
