Lionel Messi equals the all-time World Cup scoring record with a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria

A record-equalling performance

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in their opening Group J match at the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City. The goals, in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes, brought his all-time World Cup tally to 16, equalling the record held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. Messi's first goal came after an earlier effort in the 5th minute was ruled out for offside. Algeria also had a goal disallowed for offside, by Fares Chaibi in the 8th minute.

A milestone night in Kansas City

The match at the Kansas City Chiefs' stadium was Messi's 200th official appearance for Argentina. He became the first player in history to participate in a sixth World Cup, 20 years to the day after his tournament debut against Serbia-Montenegro in 2006. The crowd of 69,045 included more than 40,000 Argentine fans, who gave Messi a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 78th minute.

Chasing the record books

Messi now shares the men's World Cup scoring record with Klose, who scored his 16 goals in 24 matches across four tournaments. Messi reached the mark in his 27th World Cup game. French forward Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice in France's 3-1 win over Senegal, moved to 14 World Cup goals and remains in contention to challenge the record at this tournament. Brazilian legend Ronaldo sits third on the all-time list with 15 goals.

The team's reaction

Teammate Alexis Mac Allister praised Messi's importance after the match.

There are no more words to describe this. If anyone thought this team was better without Leo, today it became clear that he is the most important of all and we have to set up a team where he feels comfortable, because he is the most important of all.

Coach Lionel Scaloni struck a more sentimental tone.

You have to enjoy it, because we will miss him when he is no longer on the pitch.

Looking ahead

Argentina started their title defense with a victory, unlike the 2022 tournament where they lost their opening match to Saudi Arabia before going on to win the World Cup. Messi still has opportunities at this tournament to claim the scoring record outright. Fellow six-time World Cup participant Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to make his first appearance of the tournament hours after Messi's milestone.