Lionel Messi scores hat trick in 2026 World Cup opener to tie all-time goals record (video)

[ASFN Admin]

Lionel Messi made more history Tuesday, becoming the second player to score in five World Cups when he joined Cristiano Ronaldo in stunning fashion against Algeria.

Oh, we buried the lede in our lede — Messi is now tied with Miroslav Klose after scoring hsi 14th, 15th, and 16th World Cup goals with a hat trick in the game.

MORE — Andy Edwards’ live updates from KC

Messi blasted home a rocket from outside the 18 to give reigning champions Argentina 1-0 lead against their African opponents in Kansas City.

Oh, he'd score another around the hour mark to make more history before adding a third 11 minutes later. Will he break the career World Cup scoring record this month? It feels pretty likely.

He's now scored eight goals in his last five World Cup appearances. Stretching even further, Messi has 11 goals and five assists in his last nine World Cup matches dating back to the 2018 Group D finale against Nigeria, which ended a six-match goal drought at the tournament.

His 16 goals are tied with Klose as he passed Ronald, and Gerd Muller (Cristiano Ronaldo, if you're wondering, has eight World Cup goals).

Lionel Messi first goal against Algeria (video)​

¡MESSI ROMPE LAS REDES!

Messi recibe un gran pase de Rodri De Paul y anota su gol 14 en Mundiales y 117 con Argentina.

Sigue toda la cobertura de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 por Telemundo y Peacock#MundialTelemundo#Somos26#FIFAWorldCup#Argentina… pic.twitter.com/cCUKmV57Ac

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 17, 2026

Ref cam angle of Lionel Messi goal vs Algeria at World Cup​

¡QUE TOMA!

️ Así se vio el gol de Messi desde la cámara del árbitro vaya manera de disfruta de estos ángulos.

Sigue toda la cobertura de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 por Telemundo y Peacock#MundialTelemundo#Somos26#FIFAWorldCup#Argentina#ArgentinaVsArgeliapic.twitter.com/42PgrEmNX1

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 17, 2026

Lionel Messi’s second goal against Algeria (video)​

¡DOBLETE DE LEO MESSI!

El 10 aprovechó un mal rechace del portero de Argelia para definirla y mandarla a las redes para ampliar la ventaja de Argentina . pic.twitter.com/DLAxtrib5x

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 17, 2026

Lionel Messi hat trick video: Messi equals record with third vs Algeria​

¡LEO MESSI, 16 VECES EN COPA DEL MUNDO!

El 10 argentino firma TRIPLETE HISTÓRICO en el debut de Argentina y empata a Miroslav Klosez, como MÁXIMO GOLEADOR en Mundiales. pic.twitter.com/P3Ls7qiMVq

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 17, 2026

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