Argentina captain Lionel Messi has added another historic achievement to his legendary career after becoming the first player to score a hat-trick at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 38-year-old delivered a stunning performance against Algeria, scoring all three goals in Argentina’s dominant 3-0 victory in Kansas City as he began his sixth FIFA World Cup campaign remarkably.
Messi’s three-goal display was not only the first hat-trick of the 2026 tournament but also the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.
The achievement further cemented his place among football’s greatest players, with the goals taking his overall World Cup tally to 16.
With that tally, Messi drew level with German football legend Miroslav Klose as the joint highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
The latest milestone adds to a long list of records achieved by the Argentine superstar, who has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in football history.
Despite being 38 years old, Messi continues to perform at the highest level, showing the creativity, intelligence, and finishing ability that have defined his career for nearly two decades.
His performance against Algeria was a reminder of his enduring quality and his importance to the Argentine national team as they pursue another World Cup title.
Leo Messi historical hat-trick made him the all-time top scorer of the World Cup 🤯🇦🇷
There are simply no words 😶🔟
🇿🇦 Get your World Cup Pass now and watch all FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches on SportyTV YouTube channel here: https://t.co/NAhrEWXxGU pic.twitter.com/oELuJZhtST
— SportyTV (@SportyTV) June 17, 2026
The six-time World Cup participant has repeatedly rewritten football history, winning numerous domestic league titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, individual awards, and the long-awaited FIFA World Cup title with Argentina in 2022.
With the 2026 tournament still in its early stages, Messi’s historic hat-trick has already become one of the defining moments of the competition.
Fans around the world have continued to celebrate the achievement, praising the Argentine icon for extending his extraordinary legacy on football’s biggest stage.
As Argentina moves forward in its World Cup journey, attention will remain on Messi, whose ability to break records and deliver on the biggest occasions continues to set him apart as one of the greatest footballers the sport has ever witnessed.
