Messi scores hat-trick, ties World Cup scoring record in Argentina's 3-0 win

Lionel Messi cemented his legendary status on Tuesday, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup debut. The performance saw the captain not only achieve a personal milestone with his first World Cup treble but also equal the tournament's all-time scoring record.

With his three goals, Messi reached 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with Germany's Miroslav Klose. This achievement came on the same day he became the first footballer to play in six World Cups, a testament to his enduring career that began in Germany in 2006. At nearly 39 years old, Messi's display left many of the 65,000-plus Argentine fans in awe, particularly as he appeared liberated from past pressures following Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph.

The match saw Messi score his first goal in the 17th minute, a moment that visibly moved him to tears, signaling what he called his "last tango" on the World Cup stage. He later surpassed Kylian Mbappé's previous tournament tally with his second goal. The third goal, a precise strike in the 77th minute, completed his hat-trick and ignited ecstasy in the Arrowhead Stadium, widely considered the world's loudest arena.

Messi's World Cup goal distribution across six tournaments is: Germany 2006 (1), South Africa 2010 (0), Brazil 2014 (4), Russia 2018 (1), Qatar 2022 (7), and USA, Mexico, Canada 2026 (3). The victory sets a strong precedent for Argentina as they aim to defend their title, while Messi continues to redefine footballing history.