Lionel Messi proved once again why he is undeniably one of the greatest to ever grace the pitch. In a sensational 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 38-year-old Argentine netted a breathtaking hat-trick, cementing his legacy. With those strikes, Messi reached 16 career World Cup goals, officially equaling Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament scoring record.
Lionel Messi: From Youngest Scorer to Tying the Record
What makes this milestone magical is the trajectory of his career. Exactly twenty years ago, in 2006, a teenage Messi scored his first World Cup goal, becoming Argentina’s youngest-ever scorer at the tournament. Fast forward two decades, and he is now their oldest scorer, a testament to his status as one of the Greatest of all time.
This historic achievement feels like the perfect continuation of his World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022. His enduring magic and leadership underscore why he sits at the pinnacle of the sport. At 38, Messi is still breaking records, mesmerizing fans, and proving that greatness knows no age limit.
Lionel Messi: 914 Career Goals and Counting
Over a brilliant club and international career spanning more than two decades, he has amassed a staggering 914 goals in 1,157 matches. His recent hat-trick against Algeria also bumped his international tally to 120 goals, further extending his record as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and keeping him near the very top of men’s international football history