Messi equals all-time World Cup scoring record with hat-trick as Argentina defeats Algeria

Lionel Messi delivered a dominant performance to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on June 16 in Kansas City, Missouri. The 38-year-old striker scored all three goals, equalling German forward Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. The match, played before approximately 69,050 spectators at Kansas City Stadium, marked Messi's record 27th World Cup match and his appearance in a record sixth World Cup tournament.

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a curled shot after combining with Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. He doubled Argentina's advantage shortly after the hour mark by capitalizing on a goalkeeping error from Luca Zidane, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, before completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a powerful finish after receiving the ball from Nicolas Gonzalez. The victory was historic for Argentina as defending champions, marking their first opening-match win at a World Cup, having previously lost their first games in 1982 and 1990.

The 38-year-old's achievement extends his extraordinary international career. Making his 200th appearance for Argentina, Messi also became the first player ever to participate in six World Cup editions. His three-goal display was the first hat-trick of his World Cup career. Messi now has the opportunity to claim the all-time scoring record outright when Argentina face Austria in their next Group J match.

Argentina's victory represents the beginning of their bid to become only the third nation to successfully defend a World Cup title, following Italy's achievement in 1938 and Brazil's in 1962. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is the first tournament to feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32, with matches staged across 16 cities between June 11 and July 19.