Historic hat-trick sees Messi equal Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record in Argentina’s 3-0 victory

Lionel Messi turned back the clock once again with a sensational hat-trick against Algeria, powering Argentina to a commanding victory and launching their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style.

The Argentina captain added another landmark to his extraordinary career by becoming the first player to feature in six FIFA World Cups. The treble also took his tally to 16 World Cup goals, drawing him level with German legend Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s joint all-time leading scorer.

Far from showing signs of slowing down ahead of his 39th birthday, Messi controlled the game from start to finish, orchestrating Argentina’s attacks and repeatedly exposing gaps in the Algerian defence. His performance served as a reminder that he remains the driving force behind Argentina’s quest to retain the World Cup crown.

Messi steals the spotlight

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a brilliant strike from outside the penalty area, giving Argentina a deserved lead and energising the crowd. The defending champions carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime, but their captain was only getting started.

He doubled Argentina’s lead in the 60th minute with a composed finish after a flowing team move before completing his first-ever World Cup hat-trick 16 minutes later with another superb goal that put the match beyond reach.

The achievement made Messi, at 38 years and 357 days, the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick at a FIFA World Cup, adding yet another record to his remarkable legacy.

With the result secured, Messi was substituted in the 80th minute to a standing ovation from Argentina supporters, who witnessed another unforgettable chapter in one of football’s greatest careers. For Argentina, it was the perfect start; for the rest of the tournament, it was a warning that Messi remains capable of defining the biggest moments on the grandest stage.