Lionel Messi scored three goals Tuesday to lead Argentina to a 3-0 [1] victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The performance marks the first World Cup hat-trick of Messi's career and signals a dominant start for the defending champions. By scoring three times [1], Messi has now tied the record for the most goals scored in the history of the tournament.
The match took place during the group stage of the competition, which is being hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [1]. Argentina controlled the pace of the game from the start, utilizing Messi's offensive precision to dismantle the Algerian defense.
With these three goals, Messi's total World Cup goal count has reached 16 [3]. This milestone moves him level with Miroslav Klose, the former German striker who previously held the sole record for the most goals in the competition's history [2].
Argentina entered the tournament as the defending champion, and this result reinforces their position as a primary contender for the title. The victory provides the team with an early lead in their group standings and maintains the momentum established during their previous championship run.
While the match was a collective effort for the Argentine squad, the focus remains on Messi's individual achievement. Reaching 16 goals [3] in the World Cup is a feat that underscores his longevity and consistency on the global stage, a rarity in the modern era of professional football.
“Messi has now tied the record for the most goals scored in the history of the tournament.”
Messi tying Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals transforms a statistical milestone into a narrative of historical dominance. For Argentina, starting the tournament with a clean sheet and a dominant offensive display reduces early pressure on the defending champions and establishes a psychological advantage over their group-stage opponents.
