Lionel Messi added another remarkable achievement to his legendary career after scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The historic performance saw the Argentine captain reach 16 career World Cup goals, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in the tournament’s history.
The match, played at Arrowhead Stadium, marked several milestones for Messi. Not only was it his first-ever World Cup hat trick, but it also came during his 200th appearance for the Argentine national team. The performance further cemented his place among the greatest players ever to compete on football’s biggest stage.
Messi opened the scoring early and continued to dominate throughout the match, constantly finding space and creating problems for Algeria’s defense. His second goal gave Argentina complete control of the contest, while his third completed a memorable hat trick and ensured his name would once again be written into football history.
The achievement is even more remarkable considering the timing. The hat trick came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut for Argentina. Back then, he became the country's youngest World Cup goalscorer. Two decades later, he has now become Argentina’s oldest-ever scorer in the competition, highlighting the extraordinary longevity of his career.
At 38 years old and approaching his 39th birthday, Messi continues to perform at a level few athletes in any sport have ever maintained. Questions about retirement and age have followed him in recent years, but performances like this demonstrate why he remains one of football’s most influential players.
His record-tying goal arrived in the second half after a well-worked attacking move involving Nicolás González. Receiving the ball near the edge of the penalty area, Messi calmly found the back of the net, sending thousands of Argentine supporters into celebration as they realized they were witnessing a historic moment.
The hat trick was also the first of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and immediately placed Messi at the center of the tournament conversation. While younger stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland have generated significant attention heading into the competition, Messi reminded the football world that he remains capable of delivering unforgettable performances on the biggest stage.
For Argentina, the victory was the perfect start to their campaign as defending world champions. The team looked sharp in attack, organized defensively, and inspired by their captain’s brilliance. With Messi leading the way, Argentina immediately strengthened its status as one of the favorites to lift the trophy once again.
The result also adds another chapter to a career already filled with historic achievements, including World Cup glory, continental titles, league championships, and individual awards. By matching Klose’s long-standing World Cup scoring record, Messi has once again demonstrated why many consider him one of the greatest footballers in history.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will now be on whether Messi can score once more and become the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history. If his opening performance is any indication, another record-breaking moment may not be far away.
