Lionel Messi is more alive than ever, and he proved it on a magical night at Kansas City Stadium, where he delivered an unforgettable hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s 3–0 victory, as the reigning champions opened their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With this achievement, Messi now reaches 16 World Cup goals, moving ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappe (14) and Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazario (15).

He now shares the top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart with Germany’s Miroslav Klose.

The Argentine superstar has also reached 120 goals in 200 appearances for the national team, keeping alive the possibility of fighting for both the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot and the all-time World Cup scoring record outright, with Mbappé still on 14 goals in World Cup history.

WHAT EVERYONE WILL REMEMBER

Messi blasted past Luca Zidane in the 76th minute to draw level with Klose, before being substituted to a standing ovation just three minutes later, with Nico Paz coming on in his place. Lionel Scaloni made sure the Argentine icon received the recognition he deserved.

A thunderous long-range strike into the right corner completed his hat-trick, a moment that once again etched his name in golden letters—an extraordinary feat at 38 years old, after a season marked by inconsistency, injuries, and reduced exposure at the very top level of club football.

It is a moment that will undoubtedly live long in the memory of fans and critics alike.

Remarkably, this is also Messi’s first-ever hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup.

THE BRACE THAT SET THE STAGE

After a powerful strike from Alexis Mac Allister and an error from the Algerian goalkeeper, the Argentine star reacted quickly to pounce on the rebound and score his second goal of the match and of the tournament in Missouri.

At the 60-minute mark, the stadium—home of the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, a venue accustomed to celebrating the exploits of American football’s new dynasty—erupted in celebration for La Pulga. Among the high-profile spectators was quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who watched on as Messi once again stole the spotlight.

It was a moment that showcased his instinct and sharpness, proving he was still decisive despite his veteran status.

MESSI STEALS THE SHOW FROM MBAPPE AND ERLING HAALAND

While Mbappé had briefly moved ahead of the Rosario star at New Jersey/New York Stadium with a brace in France’s win over Senegal, the Inter Miami forward delivered a statement performance in true Western style—showing that, on American soil, Messi remains the man to beat, not the “visitors” or “outsiders.”

Erling Haaland is also part of the spotlight, having scored twice on his own World Cup debut for Norway against Iraq at Boston Stadium, underlining the emergence of a new generation of stars on the global stage.

With his hat-trick, Messi not only moved back ahead of the Frenchman but also surpassed Ronaldo Nazário, reinforcing his place among the tournament’s all-time greats.

However, despite his heroics, the decisive error by Luca Zidane—who was involved in both the first and second goals—meant Messi ultimately did not surpass Miroslav Klose, with whom he now shares the all-time World Cup scoring record.

He could have the chance to claim the outright record on Monday, June 22, when Argentina face Austria at Dallas Stadium.

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