Argentina’s Messi equals World Cup goalscoring record with hat-trick in defeat of Algeria
Key takeaways
- Issued on: 17/06/2026 - 05:00Modified: 17/06/2026 - 05:26
- By: FRANCE 24 Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the opener against Algeria on his 200th appearance for Argentina.
- Messi, playing at a record sixth World Cup, netted a spectacular opener from distance in Kansas City, then poked home from close range before completing his first ever World Cup hat-trick.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Lionel Messi piled up the records as he scored all three goals for Argentina in their 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria on Tuesday, becoming the first player to feature in six World Cups and matching former Germany striker Miroslav Klose's tally of 16 goals on football's biggest stage.
Issued on: 17/06/2026 - 05:00Modified: 17/06/2026 - 05:26
By: FRANCE 24 Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the opener against Algeria on his 200th appearance for Argentina. © Claudia Greco, Reuters Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time record for goals at World Cup tournaments when he netted for the 16th time in Argentina's 3-0 opening win over Algeria on Tuesday.