If there were any doubts about whether Lionel Messi could still dominate the global stage at 38 years old or break records with Argentina, they were emphatically erased at the Kansas City Stadium, United States on Wednesday.
In a breathtaking FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match for the defending champions, Argentina dismantled Algeria 3-0.
The entire night belonged to one man. Captain Lionel Messi put on a vintage masterclass, netting a sensational hat-trick that did more than just secure three points for Argentina but also broke records while doing so.
The Full List of Records Broken or Equalled by Lionel Messi During Argentina vs Algeria Match
1. Equals Miroslav Klose’s All-Time World Cup Goals Record
With his third and final goal of the night in the 76th minute, Messi moved to 16 career World Cup goals. This brings him completely level with Germany’s legendary striker Miroslav Klose as the joint all-time top scorer in World Cup history. Having already surpassed Brazil’s Ronaldo (15 goals), Messi needs just one more strike in Group J to own the record entirely.
2. Becomes the Oldest World Cup Hat-Trick Scorer
At 38 years and 357 days old, Messi officially became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match. He thoroughly shattered the previous record held by his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who was 33 years and 130 days old when he scored a treble against Spain at the 2018 World Cup.
3. First Player to Feature in Six World Cups
By stepping onto the pitch for the kickoff, Messi became the first male player in soccer history to play in six different World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026).
Note: Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to join him in this exclusive six-tournament club later this week when Portugal faces DR Congo.
4. Reaches 200 Argentina Appearances
The opening match marked Messi’s 200th senior international cap for Argentina. He celebrates this double-century milestone as only the third player in international football history to reach 200 appearances, further cementing his status as the definitive heartbeat of Argentine football.
5. Scores His First Ever World Cup Hat-Trick
Remarkably, despite winning the tournament in 2022 and collecting endless accolades over two decades, Messi had never scored a hat-trick at a World Cup until today. His 61st career hat-trick (and 11th for Argentina) finally ticks off one of the very few achievements missing from his unrivaled resume.
