Messi Joins Klose Atop World Cup Scoring Chart With Historic Hat-Trick

Lionel Messi etched his name further into football history on June 17, 2026, by scoring a remarkable hat-trick in Argentina's commanding 3-0 victory against Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. This stellar performance brought his total World Cup goal count to 16, equaling the legendary German striker Miroslav Klose's record.

The Argentine captain's achievement was met with a standing ovation from spectators at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Messi's hat-trick, sealed with a signature left-footed strike, saw him score two additional goals in the second half, solidifying his status among the sport's greatest goalscorers. He also became the oldest player to achieve a World Cup hat-trick and the second player ever to score in five separate World Cup tournaments.

Klose, who scored his 16 goals across four World Cups between 2002 and 2014, previously broke Ronaldo Nazário's record during Germany's triumphant 2014 campaign. Brazil's Ronaldo Nazário, known as "The Phenomenon," follows with 15 goals, having been the top scorer in the 2002 World Cup. Germany's Gerd Müller and France's Kylian Mbappé round out the top five with 14 goals each.

Messi has another opportunity to extend his record when Argentina faces Austria on June 22. His continued presence in the tournament at 38 years old, coupled with his consistent goal-scoring prowess, underscores his enduring legacy in international football.

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Tournament onlookers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium gave the Argentina captain a standing ovation for his historic moment.