Mess breaks World Cup records with Hettrik against Algeria

Lionel Messy once again testified why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. Argentina's captain shone on the 3-0 triumph over Algeria in the 2026 World Cup J Group opening match, where he achieved three goals and set up some historic achievements.
The 38-year-old star was crucial to his national success, while with its landmark het-trick, it led to 16 the total number of goals at the World Championships. Thus, he equated former German striker Miroslav Klose's record as the best goalist in the history of this competition.
The fight against Algeria brought another memorable moment after Mess became the first player to participate in six successive World Cup editions. It has been part of the tours held in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026.
Argentina also set a new record as the oldest football player to achieve a World het-trick. At 38 years of age 357, he spent the record of Cristiano Ronaldo, who had achieved the same in 2018 against Spain at 33 and 130 days.
The three goals against Algeria even put Messes on a separate list of Argentina's history, becoming only the fourth player of this country to make ith-trick in a World Champions, after Guilermo Sttábile, Gabriel Batistta and Gonzalo Higuín.
The evening became even more special, as this was Messi's 200th appearance with Argentina's fanele, another figure that testifies to its continuation and importance for the national team.
Even at 38 years of age, Lionel Mess continues to break records and increase successes in an extraordinary career, further strengthening his country in world football history.











