- Argentina vs Algeria: Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to equal the FIFA World Cup’s all-time scoring record.
- The defending champions kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign on a high note on Wednesday, 17 June, with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium.
- Having equalled Miroslav Klose’s record, Messi will have the chance to claim it outright when Argentina face Austria on 22 June.
Lionel Messi equalled the World Cup’s all time top scorer record as the sensational Argentina forward netted a hat trick on Wednesday morning, inspiring the defending champions to a 3-0 victory over Algeria and kicking off their 2026 campaign in style.
Messi began the day three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s mark of 16 in World Cup history, but within 76 minutes of this match, he had drawn level with the former Germany international.
“Everything I’m experiencing now is a bonus. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve all my dreams, or even more than I ever dreamed of, both professionally and personally.
Now I’m just enjoying this, being part of a wonderful group, feeling good and being able to savour every moment out on the pitch. This is far more than I could ever have imagined when I was a kid,” Lionel Messi, Argentina captain said after the match.
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Argentina vs Algeria: Messi matches World Cup scoring record
Messi and Algeria’s Fares Chaibi both had efforts ruled out for offside in a breathless opening, but Argentina’s captain fantastic soon made his presence felt.
Picking up possession 30 yards from goal, he elegantly turned his marker, surged forward, and curled a superb finish beyond the reach of Luca Zidane.
Algeria largely kept the reigning champions at bay for the rest of the half, with an Alexis Mac Allister header over the bar representing Argentina’s only real threat.
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Anis Hadj Moussa carved out one of the Fennec Foxes’ better chances moments earlier, but a deflection took the sting out of his low strike, and Emiliano Martinez gathered comfortably.
Messi was once again at the heart of Argentina’s brightest attacking moments after the break.
He first flashed a 20 yard effort over the bar before slipping in Lautaro Martinez, whose dangerous cross was cut out by Zidane.
The Argentina talisman’s second goal quickly followed, with Zidane unable to hold Mac Allister’s powerful shot, allowing Messi to pounce on the rebound and finish coolly with his right foot.
The 38 year old completed his hat trick with a trademark curling finish from the edge of the area, capping his 200th senior international appearance in memorable fashion.
Having equalled Klose’s record, Messi will have the chance to claim it outright when Argentina face Austria on 22 June. Algeria, meanwhile, take on Jordan in their next Group J outing.