Lionel Messi Matches Klose's World Cup Goal Record with Hat-Trick
June 18, 2026 · Lucía Fernández
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in the World Cup, equaling Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals. Argentina celebrated a thrilling victory, with Messi in top form.
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Lionel Messi delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring a hat-trick that allowed him to match Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goal record of 16. The match, held in Kansas City, saw Argentina triumph with Messi's exceptional play taking center stage. The Argentine captain's goals echoed his historic exploits in Qatar, where he famously led his team to victory. His performance not only delighted fans at the stadium but also solidified his status as one of the greatest players in World Cup history. Messi's first goal came with an assist from Enzo Zidane, while his second capitalized on a rebound from an Alexis MacAllister shot. The third goal, a classic Messi strike, found the bottom corner, leaving Zidane helpless. This remarkable feat comes just days before Messi's 39th birthday, proving age is merely a number for the legendary forward.
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