On June 17, 2026, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in a friendly match against Algeria, tying Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals in FIFA World Cup tournaments. The match, held at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, saw Messi net goals in the 23rd, 55th, and 78th minutes, leading Argentina to a 4-1 victory.
Messi's achievement places him alongside Klose, who set the record during his career with Germany from 2002 to 2014. The Argentine captain now has 16 World Cup goals, matching Klose's tally. Messi's first World Cup goal came in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro, and he has since scored in every subsequent tournament.
This hat-trick is Messi's first in international football since 2022, when he scored three against Estonia. The 38-year-old forward continues to defy age, having recently led Argentina to victory in the 2024 Copa América. Fans and analysts alike are now speculating whether Messi will surpass Klose's record in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which begins in November.
Algeria, ranked 30th in the FIFA rankings, put up a strong fight but were unable to contain Messi's clinical finishing. The match also served as preparation for both teams ahead of the World Cup, with Algeria set to face Brazil in their opening group stage match.
