Lionel Messi scored three goals on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria [1], [3].

The performance allows Messi to tie the all-time men’s World Cup career-goals record [1]. By reaching this milestone, the Argentine captain solidifies his standing among the most prolific scorers in the history of the tournament.

The match took place in Kansas City, Missouri, as part of the Group C stage of the competition [4], [5]. Messi's three goals [1] provided the entirety of the scoring for Argentina, ensuring a dominant win over the Algerian side [3].

With this result, Messi has now reached a total of 13 career World Cup goals [2]. This achievement also makes him the second player in history to score in five different World Cup tournaments [2].

Argentina's victory in the U.S. puts the team in a strong position within their group. The win was secured through a combination of Messi's clinical finishing and a disciplined defensive effort that kept Algeria scoreless throughout the match [3].

The record-tying feat occurred during a period of high intensity for the Argentine squad as they navigate the early stages of the tournament. The three goals scored by Messi [1] represent a significant individual achievement in a team effort that resulted in a 3-0 final score [3].

“Messi scored three goals on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria.”

Messi tying the career-goals record at 13 serves as a critical momentum builder for Argentina in Group C. By becoming only the second player to score in five separate World Cups, Messi demonstrates a level of longevity and consistency that is rare in international football, placing him in a statistical tier shared by very few athletes.