Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, making history as the first player to appear in six different FIFA Men’s World Cups. With his three-goal performance, Messi also became the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match.
The hat trick was Messi’s first ever at the FIFA World Cup and the 11th of his international career. With his three goals against Algeria, he also drew level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals, tying the record for the most goals scored in men’s FIFA World Cup history. Argentina will return to action on Monday when they face Austria in Dallas.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered a dazzling performance that thrilled the strongly pro-Argentina crowd in Kansas City. His magical night also drew huge attention online, with the sports world buzzing on social media.
Messi’s Hat Trick Steals the Show
After Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, Lionel Messi and his teammates made their way to the north end of Arrowhead Stadium to thank the fans. It was the same end of the field where Messi had scored two of his three goals during his brilliant hat-trick performance.
At most World Cups, the team would only need to thank fans in one section of the stadium. But on Tuesday night, Argentina could have walked around the entire field to show their appreciation. Argentine supporters completely filled Arrowhead Stadium, turning Kansas City into what felt like a home match in Buenos Aires.
As he became the first man to appear in six different World Cups and matched Miroslav Klose’s record for the most goals in World Cup history, the soon-to-be 39-year-old Messi scored his first World Cup hat trick in a way that was pure Messi.
How fans celebrate Messi’s magical night of football
Argentina fans made their presence felt at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Lionel Messi stole the show with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday, June 16
Three Goals, One Unforgettable Night
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute after finding space between Algeria’s defense and midfield. He took a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, used a soft touch to set himself, and then curled a brilliant strike from outside the box past the goalkeeper.
60th-Minute Rebound Goal Showing his trademark striker’s awareness, Messi reacted quickly after Alexis Mac Allister’s powerful effort was parried by the Algerian goalkeeper. In the right place at the right time, the Argentine captain calmly slotted home the rebound from close range to double his side’s lead.
In the 76th minute, Nico Gonzalez laid the ball off to Messi just outside the top of the penalty area. Messi took one controlled touch to set it onto his favored left foot, then fired a low shot past the goalkeeper.
The three goals also pushed Lionel Messi to the top of the World Cup record books. He now has 16 career World Cup goals, putting him level with the all-time record for most goals scored in the tournament.
Short Summary
Lionel Messi made history on Tuesday night by matching Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 men’s World Cup goals after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3–0 victory over Algeria.
The hat-trick marked the 11th of Lionel Messi’s international career, but his first ever at a World Cup. At 38 years old, he also became the oldest player in tournament history to score three goals in a single match. He was substituted late in the second half and received a standing ovation from the passionate Argentina supporters at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Yashpal Singh brings readers closer to the action with coverage of sports news, game updates, athlete stories, team developments, and major moments from the field. From local matchups to broader sports headlines, his reporting focuses on the stories fans care about most.