Wednesday, June 17, 2026- Lionel Messi has once again reshaped World Cup history after scoring a stunning hat-trick to help Argentina secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening group match. 

The performance saw him equal the all-time World Cup goalscoring record of 16 goals, previously set by Germany’s Miroslav Klose, while also reinforcing his status as the focal point of Argentina’s title defence.

The match was decided early by Messi’s control and precision, with goals coming across key moments that crushed Algeria’s defensive structure and left little room for recovery. 

Beyond the scoreline, the performance carried added weight as it marked another milestone in his record-breaking international career, including a sixth World Cup appearance and continued leadership at the highest level of the game.

With Argentina starting their campaign in commanding fashion, attention now turns to whether Messi can push beyond the shared record and set a new benchmark outright. 

At this stage of his career, every goal carries historic significance, and his form suggests this tournament may not just be about competing, it could be about redefining what is still possible on football’s biggest stage.