Lionel Messi scores hat‑trick, equals Klose record in World Cup win over Algeria

Lionel Messi opened his sixth World Cup with a hat‑trick in Argentina’s 3‑0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City on 17 June 2026. The Argentine captain’s 14th, 15th and 16th tournament goals brought him level with Miroslav Klose as all‑time World Cup top scorer.

In the 17th minute Messi received a two‑step pass from Rodrigo De Paul after drifting left between midfield and Algeria’s defence, then curled the ball into the top corner for his 14th World Cup goal. The strike made him the second player ever to score in five different World Cups.

Later in the second half, Alexis Mac Allister unleashed a long‑range effort that the Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane parried, allowing Messi to tap in the rebound for a 2‑0 lead. The Argentine side continued to dominate, creating numerous chances while Algeria struggled to mount a counter‑attack.

In the 78th minute Messi collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, nudged left and finished from about 18 metres to complete his hat‑trick and seal a 3‑0 win. The goal cemented his equalising of Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.

After the match Messi told Argentine television, “This is my sixth World Cup and I still feel in good shape,” adding that the experience felt like “an extra gift.” He also revealed that he broke into tears after his first goal, saying personal difficulties had made him emotional.

Sport editor Maarten Teunisse noted that Algeria had entered the tournament after a 0‑1 win over the Netherlands in preparation, a match in which Feyenoord‑produced Anis Hadj Moussa featured. During the group game both Fares Chaibi and Messi were flagged for off‑side, though only Messi’s goal stood.