Lionel Messi Ties World Cup Goals Record with Stunning Argentina Hat Trick
Lionel Messi has begun his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in impressive fashion, tying the all-time World Cup goals record in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria. The superstar now has 16 career World Cup goals, matching German legend Miroslav Klose's record after scoring his first career World Cup hat trick in Argentina's Group J opener.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi, saying, "He's been doing this for 20 years. I think soccer people want to see him, not just Argentines." Messi's performance came on a day when other global stars, such as Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, also scored braces.
The iconic player opened the scoring in the first half and added a second-half brace to mark his 200th cap for Argentina. In doing so, he joined Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo as the second-ever player to score at five World Cups. Messi reflected on the win, saying, "Fortunately, I'm feeling well. We were lucky to win a difficult game."
Argentina will next face Austria in Dallas, with Messi potentially poised to break the all-time World Cup goals record. The team will also play Jordan on June 27 in Dallas. Messi's World Cup career began at the 2006 World Cup with a goal against Serbia and Montenegro, and he famously led Argentina to a penalty-kick victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi, saying, "He's been doing this for 20 years. I think soccer people want to see him, not just Argentines." Messi's performance came on a day when other global stars, such as Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, also scored braces.
The iconic player opened the scoring in the first half and added a second-half brace to mark his 200th cap for Argentina. In doing so, he joined Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo as the second-ever player to score at five World Cups. Messi reflected on the win, saying, "Fortunately, I'm feeling well. We were lucky to win a difficult game."
Argentina will next face Austria in Dallas, with Messi potentially poised to break the all-time World Cup goals record. The team will also play Jordan on June 27 in Dallas. Messi's World Cup career began at the 2006 World Cup with a goal against Serbia and Montenegro, and he famously led Argentina to a penalty-kick victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final.
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