Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a hat-trick at the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time record for goals at World Cup tournaments when he netted for the 16th time in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria on Tuesday (June 16, 2026).The Argentine veteran, playing at a record sixth World Cup, scored from distance in the first half and poked home from close range in the second period.Lionel Messi scored his 16th goal in the World Cup. Lionel Messi registered his first World Cup hat-trick while moving into a tie for first on the tournament’s career scoring list.FIFA World Cup 2026 | Argentina vs Algeria LIVE updatesHe completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sending the massed ranks of Argentine fans in Kansas City wild.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi scores the second goal.
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