Lionel Messi etched his name further into football history after equalling the all-time men’s FIFA World Cup scoring record during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria on Wednesday, June 17.
The Argentine captain scored a sensational hat-trick at Arrowhead Stadium to inspire the reigning world champions to a winning start in their title defence.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box before adding his second in the 60th minute after pouncing on a rebound.
The 39-year-old completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, firing home from outside the area once again to seal the victory and take his World Cup tally to 16 goals.
The hat-trick saw Messi draw level with German legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time men’s World Cup scoring charts, with both players now sharing the record on 16 goals.
Messi had entered the 2026 tournament with 13 World Cup goals and needed three more to match Klose’s long-standing record, a feat he achieved at the 2014 edition.
With at least two group-stage matches still to play, the Argentine superstar now has the opportunity to move clear of Klose and become the outright leading scorer in World Cup history.
Real Madrid and France star Kylian Mbappe can’t also be ruled out of the race after netting a brace in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal to move to 14 goals, tying up with German great Gerd Muller on the third spot.
