Messi Scores First 2026 World Cup Hat-Trick, Equals All-Time Tournament Record

Lionel Messi made history in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener, scoring the tournament’s first hat-trick and tying the all-time World Cup scoring record with 16 goals, level with Miroslav Klose. It was Messi’s first World Cup as a reigning world champion, and he delivered a performance described in the article as beyond imagination.

Messi struck first in the 17th minute after a fine assist from Rodrigo De Paul. Algeria stayed in the game for a while, but Messi killed its hopes in the 60th minute with his second goal to make it 2-0 for Argentina.

His landmark moment came in the 76th minute, when he scored with a trademark diagonal finish to equal Klose’s record. He was substituted immediately afterward, but the report says he is now expected to break the record in the next match.

Argentina opened the tournament in perfect fashion, unlike the previous World Cup when it began with a humiliating 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia. The team has continued its strong form from the past two years, including the Copa America and South American World Cup qualifying. Messi will have a chance to set the new record on Monday against Austria, and Argentina will close its group stage on June 28 against Jordan. The team has already taken a major step toward advancing and started its title defense as well as possible.