Lionel Messi tied the all-time record for most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup after netting three goals against Algeria this week [1], [3].
The achievement places Messi in a tie with Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record alone [2]. This milestone cements Messi's legacy as one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the tournament during the 2026 competition [1], [2].
Messi reached the mark of 16 total World Cup goals [1] by scoring a hat-trick in the match against Algeria [3]. The three goals scored in a single game propelled the Argentine forward to the top of the historical scoring list [3].
Klose had maintained the record of 16 goals [2] as the benchmark for excellence in the tournament. By matching this figure, Messi becomes the only other player to reach this specific goal tally across multiple World Cup appearances [1], [2].
The match against Algeria served as the backdrop for this historic shift in the record books [3]. Messi's performance continues to define the 2026 tournament as a showcase of veteran dominance on the world stage [3].
“Lionel Messi tied the all-time record for most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup”
By equaling Miroslav Klose's record, Messi has transitioned from chasing history to potentially rewriting it. With the 2026 tournament still active, any further goal scored by the Argentine would establish a new standalone record for the most goals in World Cup history, shifting the benchmark for future generations of strikers.
