Messi Scores Hat-Trick, Ties World Cup Goal Record in Opening Win

Argentina captain matches Miroslav Klose with 16th career goal.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 171 min read

MLS

RT @FOXSports: MESSI SCORES HIS FIRST CAREER FIFA WORLD CUP HAT TRICK 🇦🇷 SCENES IN KANSAS CITY https://t.co/HqeRkLGRay

What happened: Lionel Messi delivered a historic performance in Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener, scoring three goals in a 3-0 victory over Algeria. The match, held at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, saw the 38-year-old maestro find the net in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes.

Why it matters: With this hat-trick, Messi has reached 16 career World Cup goals, equalling the all-time record held by Miroslav Klose. The victory secures three points for Argentina in Group A and marks the first World Cup hat-trick of Messi's storied career.

By the numbers: 16: Total World Cup goals for Messi, tying the all-time record. | 200: Career international caps for Messi as of today. | 1: First career World Cup hat-trick for the Argentina forward.

What to watch: Argentina will look to build on this momentum in their next Group A fixture, while Messi remains one goal away from sole possession of the all-time tournament scoring record.

Sources

@InterMiamiCF Jun 16, 11:12 PM ET

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Messi Scores Hat-Trick, Ties World Cup Goal Record in Opening Win

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