Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's second goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. Tom Weller/dpa
Argentina's Lionel Messi has scored a hat-trick against Algeria to equal Miroslav Klose's record of most World Cup goals, reaching a tally of 16.
At the age of 38, Messi had already made history as he became the first player to make six World Cup appearances. But the football legend went even further and had a sparkling performance in Argentina's ongoing tournament opener.
Messi found the net in the 17th and in the 60th minutes before scoring the record-equalling goal in the 76th. He benefited from a great build-up and polished it off with a superb left-footed strike.
Messi and Klose are tied for the all-time record of 16 goals. Former Brazil striker Ronaldo comes in second with 15.
Earlier, Kylian Mbappé scored two goals in France's 3-1 win over Senegal to take his World Cup tally to 14.
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's second goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. Tom Weller/dpaArgentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's second goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. Tom Weller/dpaArgentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's second goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. Tom Weller/dpaArgentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's second goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. Tom Weller/dpaArgentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's second goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. Tom Weller/dpa
