Messi equals Klose's 16-goal FIFA World Cup record with hat-trick vs Algeria
Synopsis
Lionel Messi needed three goals to match a record that had stood for over a decade — and he got them all in 76 minutes. His hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener draws him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals, while FIFA President Infantino's pitch-side applause underlined just how much the sport's governing body is invested in this moment.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria on 17 June in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J opener in Kansas City .
The feat drew Messi level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals — the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record.
Messi reached the mark within 76 minutes , having started the game three goals adrift of Klose's tally.
It was Messi's record sixth FIFA World Cup finals appearance.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Messi's 'timeless brilliance' in posts on social media.
Kylian Mbappe became France's all-time top scorer with 58 goals , and Erling Haaland debuted with a brace as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 on the same day.
Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record of 16 goals on 17 June, firing a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's Group J opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was present in the stands, hailed the feat as a testament to Messi's 'timeless brilliance.'
A Record-Equalling Hat-Trick
Messi entered the match needing three goals to draw level with Klose's historic mark. Within 76 minutes, the Argentina captain had done exactly that, netting his first-ever hat-trick at a World Cup and lifting the defending champions to a winning start in the tournament. It was also Messi's record sixth FIFA World Cup finals appearance — itself a milestone no other player has matched.
Infantino's Tribute to Messi
Infantino, spotted applauding from the stands, took to social media to celebrate the moment. 'Congratulations to world champion @leomessi on scoring your 16th FIFA World Cup goal and equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time goalscoring record! This record speaks of your timeless brilliance as you continue to spread happiness to millions the world over,' the FIFA chief wrote. In a separate post, Infantino described the hat-trick as Messi arriving 'in style,' adding that an 'amazing, capacity crowd witnessed greatness' as Argentina got their campaign underway.
A Day of Records Across the Tournament
The record-setting did not stop with Messi. Earlier on the same day, Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France defeated Senegal in the Group I opener, taking his international tally to 58 goals and becoming France's all-time leading scorer. Shortly after, Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with a brace of his own, guiding Norway to a 4-1 win over Iraq. 'What a fantastic day of football at the FIFA World Cup! A hat-trick from @leomessi following a brace each from @k.mbappe and @erling in front of full stadiums and incredible atmospheres. This FIFA World Cup is setting new records and bringing a lot of joy to fans all over the world,' Infantino said.
The Weight of the Record
Klose, who set the mark across four World Cup campaigns with Germany between 2002 and 2014, had long been considered the benchmark for World Cup goalscoring. Messi now stands level, with the potential to surpass that figure as Argentina advance further into the tournament. Notably, Messi reached this tally across his record sixth World Cup, underlining the longevity and consistency that define his career at the highest level. The 2026 World Cup appears set to be a historic edition — and it has barely begun.
Point of View
But the more striking detail is the manner — a hat-trick in a group-stage opener, at a sixth World Cup, at an age when most footballers have long retired from international duty. Infantino's effusive social media presence alongside this record is also worth noting: FIFA has a commercial and narrative interest in Messi's continued brilliance, and the President's pitch-side applause blurs the line between governing body and fan club. The real question the tournament now poses is whether Messi can go beyond 16 — and whether Argentina, as defending champions, have the squad depth to carry him there.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Lionel Messi equal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Messi equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record of 16 goals by scoring a hat-trick against Algeria on 17 June 2026. Klose had set the record across four World Cup campaigns with Germany between 2002 and 2014.
How did Messi reach 16 World Cup goals against Algeria?
Messi entered the Group J opener needing three goals to match Klose's mark and scored all three within 76 minutes of play, registering his first-ever hat-trick at a FIFA World Cup. Argentina won their opening match against Algeria.
What did FIFA President Gianni Infantino say about Messi's record?
Infantino, who watched from the stands, wrote on social media: 'This record speaks of your timeless brilliance as you continue to spread happiness to millions the world over.' He also described the hat-trick as Messi arriving 'in style.'
What other records were broken on the same day as Messi's hat-trick?
Kylian Mbappe scored twice against Senegal to reach 58 international goals, becoming France's all-time leading scorer. Erling Haaland also scored twice on his World Cup debut as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in Group play.
How many FIFA World Cup appearances has Lionel Messi made?
The 2026 World Cup is Messi's sixth FIFA World Cup finals appearance — a record in itself. His previous appearances came in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, when he led Argentina to the title.
