Lionel Messi is now the joint top scorer in FIFA Men’s World Cup history after scoring a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday.
The Inter Miami forward opened the scoring in the first half of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J opener, before adding two more within 16 minutes in the second half, taking his tally to 16 World Cup goals, level with German legend Miroslav Klose.
At 38 years and 357 days, Messi also became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick.
The Argentina captain had found the net five minutes in against Algeria, but his goal was ruled out for offside. The North African side also thought they had broken the deadlock in the eight minute, but they were also denied by the offside flag.
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In the 17th minute, Messi scored again, and this time it counted. Rodrigo De Paul provided the assist, finding Messi who had time to turn before firing a brilliant shot into the far corner, making it 1-0.
On the hour mark, Messi extended Argentina’s advantage, this time with a simple but smart finish. Alexis Mac Allister’s shot from distance was saved by Luca Zidane, but the ball fell kindly to Messi, who had the easy task of finding the net from close range for his brace.
16 minutes later, Messi scored his first ever World Cup hat-trick to give Argentina a 3-0 lead. It not only secured Argentina’s win but also reinforced Messi’s place as one of the greatest players in football history as he etched his name into the World Cup record books.
Four minutes after his third goal, Messi was substituted to a standing ovation, as he came off for Nico Paz.
Messi will have the opportunity to become the sole top scorer of the competition when Argentina face Austria in their next match on Monday, June 22. Meanwhile, Algeria will be eager to bounce back when they take on Jordan on Tuesday, June 23.
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