Watch Messi's stunning World Cup goals in Argentina vs. Algeria
Jon ArnoldKANSAS CITY, MO — Lionel Messi opened his 2026 World Cup with three goals against Algeria, tying him for first on the all-time men's scoring list with 16 career goals in soccer's biggest tournament.
Seventeen minutes in, the 38-year-old delivered a stunning left-footed strike past Algeria goalkeeper Luka Zidane that temporarily leveled him with Kylian Mbappe for third on the all-time World Cup scoring list – with the Frenchman having scored two goals earlier in the day on June 16.
In the 60th minute, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister long's shot was saved by Zidane, but the rebound came sharply to Messi, who slotted home his second goal of the night. Messi completed his first career World Cup hat trick in the 76th minute, firing home another left-footed effort from the top of the penalty area.
Shop Messi Argentina jerseysMessi's 16th World Cup goal tied him with Germany's Miroslav Klose for the all-time men's World Cup record, leaving Brazilian Ronaldo in second place all alone. Messi was removed from the game to a standing ovation after his third goal.
With his start Tuesday, Messi became the first player in history to appear in six World Cups – a mark that will be equaled by longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo just a day later.
Messi made his World Cup debut as a 19-year-old at the 2006 tournament in Germany and scored just the second international goal of his career at that World Cup. Messi was held without a goal at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, an Argentina team managed by Diego Maradona.
At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Messi scored four goals in the the group stage but didn't find the net in the knockout stage as Argentina lost to Germany in the final, still being named the tournament's best player. Messi scored just one goal at the 2018 World Cup in Russia as Argentina fell in the Round of 16 to eventual champion France, and faced questions about his ability to win the big one for the national team.
That all changed in 2022, when Messi scored six goals – including two in the final – to win Argentina's third World Cup championship and first since 1986.
Argentina World Cup schedule
- June 16 vs. Algeria – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City – BUY TICKETS
- June 22 vs. Austria – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas – BUY TICKETS
- June 27 vs. Jordan – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas – BUY TICKETS
Lionel Messi stats
Entering the 2026 World Cup, 38-year-old has scored 116 goals in 198 international matches.
What team does Lionel Messi play for?
Inter Miami. The Argentina legend led the MLS club to a championship in 2025, his third season with the team.
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