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Lionel Messi ties World Cup scoring record with hat trick against Algeria

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 3:51 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Lionel Messi ties World Cup scoring record with hat trick against Algeria

Summary

Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina's first match of the 2026 World Cup against Algeria on June 16. This incredible performance marked Messi's milestone as the first player to compete in six World Cups and the first to score in all six tournaments. With 16 World Cup goals, he ties Miroslav Klose for the most goals in men's history. Messi has the chance to break this record in Argentina's upcoming match against Austria on June 22 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Messi scored three goals against Algeria on June 16.
•He became the first player to score in six World Cups.
•Messi's next opportunity to break the record is on June 22.
•He now has 16 World Cup goals, tied with Klose.
•The all-time leader in World Cup goals is Marta with 17.

Latest Updates

3:51 AMYahoo Sports — Will Lionel Messi break FIFA World Cup goals record? Top scorers list

What they're saying

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Lionel Messi has scored 16 World Cup goals and is close to breaking the record for most goals in tournament history. Here's the all-time top scorers.
— Yahoo Sports

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