Lionel Messi's Stellar Performance at the 2026 World Cup
Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, scored three goals against Algeria in a 2026 World Cup group stage match on June 17, propelling him into a tie with Germany's Miroslav Klose for the all-time World Cup goals record. The Group J clash ended 3-0 in favor of the Argentine side. This tournament, hosted across North America, marks another chapter in Messi's storied international career.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul and firing a shot from outside the penalty area. In the 60th minute, Alexis Mac Allister's central strike was saved by Algerian goalkeeper Zidan, but Messi pounced on the rebound to slot the ball into an empty net. With 15 minutes remaining, the Argentine completed his hat-trick—the first of his World Cup career—cementing his place in the record books.
Messi's Milestone Achievement
With these three goals, Messi now has 16 World Cup goals, equaling Klose's benchmark. Now 38 years old, Messi has played for MLS club Inter Miami since 2023, following stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, where he won the Champions League four times.
- 2022 World Cup champion
- 2014 World Cup runner-up
- 2008 Olympic gold medalist
- Two-time Copa América winner (2021, 2024)
- Record holder for most Ballon d'Or awards with 8
This match represents a key milestone in Messi's career, underscoring his status as one of football's all-time greats. His World Cup exploits have always drawn attention, and a hat-trick in such a crucial game only burnishes his legendary reputation. Given his age, this moment could prove iconic in the final chapter of his international career, as Messi has repeatedly emphasized his desire to leave an indelible mark on football history.
Messi's remarkable achievement not only ties him with Klose but also highlights his role as Argentina's oldest scorer in World Cup history. This record adds another layer to his illustrious career, reflecting his enduring impact on the game. To explore how this milestone complements his overall contributions to the national team, read more about Messi's historic scoring record for Argentina.