Messi Equals Miroslav Klose as FIFA World Cup’s Joint Highest Goalscorer

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has became the first player ever to appear in six FIFA World Cups and celebrated the milestone by scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in the opening fixture of the Argentina in 2026 FIFA World Cup. After his hattrick he equaled with Former German Striker Klose as the highest Goal-scorer in the FIFA World Cup history, apart from this he also broke the several records in the opening match.

A Historic Night for the Lionel Messi

When the Argentina manager announced the its starting lineup against Algeria, history was already created as inclusion of Messi made him as the first footballer to participate in six FIFA World Cups alongside with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The match carried the additional significance because it took place exactly 20 years after the Leo Messi made his first World Cup appearance for the Argentina in 2006.

His three goals powered Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 victory and sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament contenders.

Records Broken During the Match

Messi’s unforgettable performance have resulted in to the several historic milestones:

First Player to Play in Six FIFA World Cups

The Argentine superstar became the first player in the football history to feature in to six separate FIFA World Cup tournaments alongside with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Equaled Miroslav Klose’s World Cup Goal Record

Messi’s hat-trick took his World Cup tally to the 16 goals and it matched the long-standing record which was held by German striker Miroslav Klose.

Reached to 120 International Goals

This goals also elevated his international scoring record to 120 goals for the Argentina and it further strengthened  his legacy as one of the football’s most prolific scorers.

Oldest World Cup Hat-Trick Scorer

At the age of 38 years old, Messi became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick and surpassed the previous record of Cristiano Ronaldo and showcased his remarkable longevity.

Scored in Five Consecutive World Cup Matches

The Argentina captain also became the first player to score in the five consecutive World Cup matches which highlights his consistency at the highest level.

Squad of Argentina for World Cup 2026

Position	Players Name
Goal Keepers	Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid)
Defenders	Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (SL Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais)
Midfielders	Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentín Barco (RC Strasbourg)
Attackers	Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como 1907), Thiago Almada (Atlético de Madrid), Nicolás González (Atlético de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Internazionale), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid)