Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick during Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J match against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday.
This took Messi’s total to 16 goals at the World Cup, leveling him with German Miroslav Klose. Earlier in the day, Frenchman Kylian Mbappe had scored two goals against Senegal, putting him one ahead of Messi, who started the day with thirteen goals.
But two long-range goals and a close-range goal and a deflection put Messi back in the lead. With his victory on Tuesday evening, Messi moved to 120 international goals and added to Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of 143.
In addition to his three goals in this edition, Messi scored seven goals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, one goal in the 2018 World Cup, four goals in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and one goal in the 2006 edition.
He also became the oldest player to score for La Albiceleste when he completed his first hat-trick at the World Cup.
Published on June 17, 2026
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