Lionel Messi Nets Hat-Trick, Equals Klose’s Record for Most Goals in a World Cup

Lionel Messi just gave football fans around the world a massive reason to celebrate early this morning. Argentina comfortably beat Algeria 3-0 in their latest 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture, and the captain was at the center of everything. 

Scoring in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes, a brilliant Messi hat-trick did more than just secure three points for his country. It officially brought his career tournament tally to 16, matching Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most goals in a World Cup. At 38, Messi continues to defy logic, turning what could have been a routine group match into an unforgettable piece of football history.

The Historic Lionel Messi Hat-Trick Against Algeria in World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi produced a masterclass performance on Wednesday, showing precisely why he remains a defining figure in world football. The Algeria game quickly turned into a Messi show, his precision and finishing on full display.

Here’s a quick list of his historic goals in the FIFA World Cup game:

1. 17th Minute: Opening the scoring with a trademark finish early in the first half.

2. 60th Minute: Doubling the lead and bringing himself one step closer to the ultimate milestone.

3. 76th Minute: Completing the Messi hat-trick and sealing a comfortable 3-0 victory for Argentina.

His 80 minutes on the pitch saw him complete 30 accurate passes, securing a near-perfect match rating as confirmed by official post-match data.

How Many Career Hat-Tricks does Lionel Messi Have Now?

Lionel Messi has now reached an incredible 61 career hat-tricks for club and country with his masterclass in Kansas City. The latest milestone adds to his legacy as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of football and takes him closer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of 66.

Of his 61 career trebles, the historic breakdown across different teams highlights his incredible longevity:

• Barcelona: 48 hat-tricks (including a record 36 in La Liga)

• Argentina: 11 hat-tricks (with this being his first in a World Cup tournament)

• Inter Miami: 2 hat-tricks

Who has the Most Goals in a World Cup?

For over a decade, former German striker Miroslav Klose stood alone at the summit of FIFA World Cup goal scorers of all time. Klose famously netted 16 times across four tournaments. Now, thanks to his latest heroics, Lionel Messi shares this prestigious throne.

Here is a look at the all-time top scorers in FIFA World Cup history:

Lionel Messi is now the joint top #FIFAWorldCup goalscorer 🔝📊 pic.twitter.com/0wtOUS2ylM

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2026

Argentina is going strong in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the stage is perfectly set for Messi to go past Klose. A goal in the coming fixtures will see him become the outright leading scorer in the history of the tournament. For millions of Indian fans who follow his journey, every upcoming match is now a must-watch event.

Lionel Messi’s amazing hat-trick against Algeria has cemented his place as one of the game’s ultimate icons. Adding another glorious chapter to his career by tying the record for most goals in a World Cup, the world waits to see what he does next.