Messi hat-trick equals goalscoring record as Argentina beat Algeria

Lionel Messi equaled the record for the most FIFA World Cup goals by scoring his first World Cup finals hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina vies with Rayan Ait-nouri of Algeria during the group J match between Argentina and Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

Messi put the reigning champion ahead with a long-range strike in the 17th minute and doubled the lead by tapping in on the hour.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner netted his third goal with a low strike into the bottom-left corner 14 minutes from time.

Messi, 38, now has 16 World Cup goals, equaling the record set by Germany's Miroslav Klose at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.