Lionel Messi added another chapter to his remarkable career after breaking multiple FIFA World Cup records in Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 tournament at the Kansas City Stadium.
The 38-year-old scored a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in their Group J opener on June 16.
Messi became the first male player to appear in six FIFA World Cups, having featured in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions.
He also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat trick and recorded the first hat trick of his World Cup career.
The three goals took his World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose as the leading scorer in men’s World Cup history.
Messi found the net in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes as Argentina began their title defence with a comfortable victory.
The hat trick also saw him match Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of scoring in five different World Cup tournaments.
The match marked Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina, adding another milestone to an already historic career.
His record-breaking performance ensured Argentina opened their World Cup campaign with a win while further strengthening his place among football’s all-time greats.
