Lionel Messi has once again rewritten football history after producing a remarkable performance in Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 38-year-old captain scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, setting multiple records and further cementing his place among the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Messi’s three goals not only secured a winning start for the defending champions but also saw him equal the men’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, matching the tally previously held by German legend Miroslav Klose.
The achievement places the Argentine superstar at the top of the tournament’s all-time scoring chart.
The historic night in Kansas City was filled with milestones. Messi became Argentina’s oldest-ever goal scorer at a FIFA World Cup and the oldest player in tournament history to score a hat-trick.
He also recorded the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career, despite having played in the competition since making his debut in 2006.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Messi became the first footballer ever to feature in six FIFA World Cups.
His World Cup journey has now spanned two decades, having represented Argentina at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
The Argentine icon opened the scoring with a powerful strike before adding two more goals after the break to complete his hat-trick.
His performance left fans, teammates and football pundits in awe, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni describing the veteran forward’s display as extraordinary.
Messi already holds several World Cup records, including the most appearances for Argentina at the tournament and the most World Cup matches played by any footballer.
His latest achievement adds another chapter to a career that includes a World Cup title in 2022, multiple Copa América triumphs and a record number of individual awards.
As Argentina continue their title defence, the football world will be watching closely to see whether Messi can move beyond Klose’s record and become the outright leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
