Lionel Messi Ties World Cup Scoring Record with Hat Trick Against Algeria
June 19, 2026 · Pablo Ríos
Lionel Messi scored a hat trick against Algeria, tying Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals, while also becoming the second player to score in five World Cups.
In an impressive display of skill, Lionel Messi made history on Tuesday night by scoring a hat trick against Algeria, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. This match was part of Argentina's defense of their World Cup title, and it was Messi's sixth appearance in the tournament. He opened the scoring in the first half with a deft finish after receiving a pass from his Inter Milan teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, putting Argentina ahead 1-0.
With this performance, Messi became the second player ever to score in five different World Cups, joining the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo. He ultimately finished the night with three goals, bringing his total to 16 World Cup goals, which ties him with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. This achievement is especially poignant as it comes exactly 20 years after Messi made his debut in the tournament, where he also scored against Serbia and Montenegro.
As Messi continued to dazzle on the field, Kylian Mbappé of France and Erling Haaland of Norway also made headlines, with Mbappé scoring twice in France’s victory against Senegal. Messi’s third goal of the night marked his 14th overall in World Cup play, placing him in a tie for third on the all-time list alongside Gerd Müller.
Despite dealing with a minor hamstring issue earlier this season, Messi showed no signs of slowing down, having recently scored in a friendly against Iceland. The match against Algeria was also a milestone, as it marked the 200th appearance in his international career, a feat only surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Bader al-Mutawa. Argentina, now based in Kansas City for the tournament, has seen a surge of Messi fans, with many donning his iconic No. 10 jersey and celebrating his achievements. On match day, the atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to cheer for their hero, reinforcing Messi's status as a global icon in the sport.
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