Lionel Messi makes incredible World Cup history after hat-trick against Algeria
Lionel Messi is now tied with Miroslav Klose for having the most goals in World Cup history, as the Inter Miami talisman registered a hat-trick during their opening win against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on Tuesday.
The Argentine soccer star, who will turn 39 next week, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful strike from distance past Luca Zidane’s fingertips. His second goal came from a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister’s attempt was spilled by the goalkeeper at the hour mark.
Messi completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute when he rifled the ball into the bottom left corner from outside the penalty box after receiving a pass from Nico Gonzalez. With the match already won, Messi left the pitch in the 79th minute and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
It was a perfect start for Argentina, who will aim to lock the top spot in Group J with a win against Austria next Monday at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
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Lionel Messi hit longevity feat before scoring hat-trick against Algeria
Before scoring three goals against Algeria, Lionel Messi recorded his 200th cap for Argentina. He also became the first player to compete at six World Cups, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal has yet to open their World Cup 2026 campaign.
As well as moving level with Miroslav Klose in the World Cup’s all-time scoring list, Messi has now scored more goals from outside the penalty area than any other player since 1966, level with Brazil’s Rivellino.
Messi can easily surpass Klose in Argentina’s upcoming matches against Austria and Jordan and into the knockouts. Meanwhile, another World Cup star is coming for the scoring crown, as Kylian Mbappe already has 14 goals in the quadrennial tournament, following his brace in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal a few hours ago.
