Lionel Messi scored three goals against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to equal the record for most World Cup goals [1].
The achievement places Messi in a tie with Germany's Miroslav Klose for the most goals scored in the history of the tournament. This milestone comes during the opening stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted in the U.S.
Messi's performance occurred during a first-round match in Group J [1]. By scoring a hat-trick [1], he increased his career total to 16 goals [1], matching the long-standing mark set by Klose [1].
The result marks a significant moment in the tournament's early stages. While some analysts previously suggested Messi might only tie the record later in the competition [2], the hat-trick against Algeria accelerated his timeline to reach the peak of the all-time scoring list.
Argentina's victory in the Group J clash reinforces the team's offensive capabilities as they navigate the opening round. Messi's ability to produce multiple goals in a single match remains a primary driver for the squad's success on the global stage.
With the record now shared, any subsequent goal scored by Messi in the current tournament will establish him as the sole leading scorer in World Cup history. The focus now shifts to how many additional goals the Argentine captain can add before the tournament concludes.
“Messi scored three goals against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to equal the record for most World Cup goals.”
The equalling of Miroslav Klose's record underscores Lionel Messi's longevity and consistent scoring output across multiple World Cup cycles. By reaching 16 goals, Messi has moved from chasing a historical benchmark to being positioned to break it, shifting the narrative of the 2026 tournament toward a potential individual scoring record that has stood since Klose's retirement.
