Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career after producing a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s emphatic win over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentine captain was the star of the show at Kansas City Stadium, where his three goals not only secured a comfortable victory for the defending champions but also saw him set a new World Cup record.
At 38 years and 357 days old, Messi became the oldest player in FIFA World Cup history to score a hat-trick, surpassing the previous record held by his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo established the mark during Portugal’s memorable 3-3 draw against Spain at the 2018 World Cup when he was 33 years and 131 days old.
The achievement further strengthens Messi’s legacy as one of football’s greatest players, with the veteran forward continuing to deliver on the biggest stage despite approaching his 39th birthday.
Messi Hat-Trick Rewrites World Cup History
The historic Messi hat-trick carried extra significance because it was the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career. Despite participating in six World Cup tournaments, the Argentine icon had never previously managed to score three goals in a single World Cup match.
The landmark performance came during his 200th international appearance for Argentina, making the occasion even more memorable.
Messi looked sharp throughout the encounter, controlling the tempo of the game and creating problems for Algeria’s defense from the opening whistle. His finishing quality and movement in the final third proved too much for the North African side to handle.
Football fans around the world witnessed yet another unforgettable display from a player who has spent nearly two decades redefining excellence at the highest level.
Messi Moves Closer to Another Major Record
Beyond breaking Ronaldo’s age-related record, Messi’s hat-trick also moved him into a share of another historic achievement.
The Argentina captain is now level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, placing him among the competition’s all-time leading scorers.
With Argentina expected to advance deeper into the tournament, Messi has a strong opportunity to claim the record outright before the World Cup concludes.
His latest performance has once again fueled discussions about his place in football history. While debates over the greatest player of all time continue, Messi’s ability to deliver world-class performances at 38 years old provides fresh evidence of his extraordinary longevity and talent.
Also Read: Messi Hat-Trick Overshadowed by Red Card Controversy as Argentina Beat Algeria in World Cup Match
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses, Argentina will be counting on their captain to maintain his impressive form. If his display against Algeria is any indication, Messi may not be finished breaking records just yet.
With every match, the Argentine superstar continues to prove that age is no barrier to greatness, and his historic World Cup hat-trick will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the tournament.
