Messi hits hat-trick at World Cup 2026, equals Klose's goal record

Lionel Messi has made history once again at the World Cup. In Argentina's opening match of the 2026 tournament against Algeria, the captain scored a hat-trick, bringing his total tally to 16 goals in the competition.

With this performance, Messi surpassed Ronaldo Nazário and equaled the record held by German striker Miroslav Klose, who had been the tournament's top scorer for years.

It is an honor to be there next to Klose and Ronaldo. But I don't think it means anything. In the end, they are statistics and nothing more. Although I am proud to compete with all of them, it does not mean anything to me. Ronaldo, of those I have seen, was one of the greatest, and it is not the first time. So, they are just statistics. Lionel Messi

Despite reaching such a significant milestone, the Argentine star maintained a humble perspective, downplaying the individual achievement while praising the legends who held the record before him.

Argentina is set to face Austria on Monday, June 22, in the second round of Group J. Should Messi score in that match, he will become the outright top goalscorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup.