League: Bundesliga Sport: Soccer Country: Germany Category: Scores & Results

Lionel Messi scores hat-trick against Algeria in World Cup match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 6:57 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Lionel Messi scores hat-trick against Algeria in World Cup match

Summary

Lionel Messi scored his 14th, 15th, and 16th World Cup goals in a match against Algeria, achieving a hat-trick. This performance tied him with Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals. Controversy arose when Messi faced a potential red card for a foul on Algeria's Aïssa Mandi, but the referee did not issue a card. Former referee Patrick Ittrich stated that Messi's actions met two out of three criteria for a red card, sparking debate about the officiating decision during the match.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Messi scores three goals in the match against Algeria.
•He ties Miroslav Klose for most all-time World Cup goals.
•Referee did not card Messi for a foul on Aïssa Mandi.
•Patrick Ittrich argues Messi's foul should have warranted a red card.
•Match officiating decisions are under scrutiny in this World Cup.

Latest Updates

6:57 AMYahoo Sports — 📸 Ref expert calls for red! Should Messi's World Cup record count?

What they're saying

"
Nearly everything this morning revolves around Lionel Messi. With a hat-trick against Algeria, the Argentine megastar scored his 14th, 15th, and 16th World Cup goals, drawing level with record holder ...
— Yahoo Sports

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