Lionel Messi has once again rewritten football history, this time by equalling the all-time men's FIFA World Cup scoring record. The Argentine captain scored a brilliant hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking his overall World Cup tally to 16 goals.
The hat-trick was particularly significant because it moved Messi level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who had held the record outright with 16 goals since the 2014 World Cup. Messi reached the landmark in his sixth World Cup appearance, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players the tournament has ever seen.
The three goals also marked the first World Cup hat-trick of Messi's illustrious international career. At 38 years old, he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the history of the FIFA World Cup, adding another remarkable achievement to his long list of records.
Messi's latest milestone has intensified the race for the most prestigious scoring record in international football. Having drawn level with Klose, the Argentine legend now stands on the verge of becoming the outright highest goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup history.
With Argentina still having at least two group-stage matches to play, Messi will have further opportunities to add to his tally. A single goal in his next appearance would see him move to 17 World Cup goals, surpass Klose and claim sole ownership of one of football's most iconic records.
For a player who has spent nearly two decades breaking records and redefining greatness, another historic moment may be only one goal away.
