Messi Matches Klose's All-Time World Cup Goal Record

Lionel Messi and His World Cup Milestones

According to Главком: By netting a hat-trick against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has tied the tournament's all-time scoring record previously held by German striker Miroslav Klose. Argentina's 3-0 victory in that match brought Messi's total World Cup goals to 16, making him the joint top scorer in the competition's history.

This game also marked Messi's 200th official appearance for Argentina, during which he delivered a standout performance by scoring all three goals. Notably, this is his sixth World Cup campaign, a feat that sets a new record for participation in the tournament.

Messi commented: 'It's an honor to be here, because it means being alongside Klose. Ronaldo is also in this ranking. I don't think it means anything to me-Mbappé, for example, scored two goals in his match. It's just statistics and nothing more.' - Lionel Messi

Despite the achievement, he also remarked: 'While it's a source of pride to compete with all of them, it doesn't mean anything to me. Ronaldo, from what I've seen, was one of the greatest, and he's not at the top, so it all comes down to statistics.'

Argentina's Upcoming Matches

Argentina's next match is against Austria on June 22 at 20:00 Kyiv time.

Messi's World Cup achievements underscore his status as one of the greatest footballers in history. His ability to perform at an elite level even in his sixth World Cup highlights his exceptional talent and fitness. The win over Algeria also boosts Argentina's confidence ahead of upcoming games, particularly against Austria, where the team will aim to build on their tournament success.

Messi's remarkable performance in the World Cup not only ties him with Klose but also highlights his ability to achieve new milestones. For those interested in how this hat trick compares to his previous World Cup performances, this is the first time he has scored a hat trick in the tournament, showcasing his evolution as a player over the years.