Messi Scores First FIFA World Cup 2026 Hat-Trick, Equals Klose's All-Time Record

Lionel Messi scored the tournament's first hat-trick in Argentina's match against Algeria on Wednesday, showcasing a range of finishes that left the opposition defence unable to respond. At 39 years old, the Argentine captain became the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick at a World Cup.

With the three goals, Messi took his World Cup tally to 16, drawing level with Germany's Miroslav Klose for the all-time scoring record in the competition. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also surpassed Roger Milla's record as the oldest player to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match. Messi now stands one goal away from becoming the outright leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.