Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance as Argentina dominated Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old captain secured his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, a milestone that has eluded him throughout his storied career. Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark strike from 25 yards and followed up with two clinical finishes in the second half.
With this hat-trick, Messi’s total World Cup goal count has reached 16, officially drawing him level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the joint all-time leading goalscorer in tournament history. The victory comfortably propels Lionel Scaloni's side forward, with Messi proving once again that his influence remains unmatched on the global stage.