Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time record for goals at World Cup tournaments when he netted for the 16th time in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria on Tuesday (June 16, 2026).
The Argentine veteran, playing at a record sixth World Cup, scored from distance in the first half and poked home from close range in the second period.
Lionel Messi scored his 16th goal in the World Cup.
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He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sending the massed ranks of Argentine fans in Kansas City wild.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi scores the second goal. | Photo Credit: Reuters
Messi, who turns 39 next week, had been dealing with a minor hamstring injury with Inter Miami had slowed him in the lead-up to the World Cup. But he had no problems in a tuneup last week with Iceland, scoring on a penalty kick while playing 20 minutes.
Messi’s appearance against Algeria was the 200th of his international career, which began in 2005 at the age of 18. The only players with more are Portugal’s Ronaldo, who will play in his 229th on Wednesday against Congo, and Bader al-Mutawa, who played in his 202nd match for Kuwait in 2002.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi in action against Algeria | Photo Credit: Reuters
Messi-mania has swept through Kansas City ever since Argentina’s arrival.
On match day, thousands of fans wearing his No. 10 jersey trekked into the home of the NFL’s Chiefs on the outskirts of Kansas City. Meanwhile, at a watch party at the downtown Power and Light District, a real-life goat accompanied by former NFL quarterback-turned Fox broadcaster Jameis Winston came on stage wearing the same blue-and-white Argentina jersey.
The argument that Messi is soccer’s GOAT — greatest of all time — is becoming no argument at all with every World Cup goal.
Published - June 17, 2026 08:30 am IST