Historic Night for Messi: Eight Record-Breaking Achievements Against Algeria

The match between Argentina and Algeria in the opening round of the 2026 World Cup was far from an ordinary game; it became a historic stage for the legendary Lionel Messi, who is now 38 years and 357 days old.

Oldest Player to Score a Hat-Trick in World Cup History

Messi has now become the oldest player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick in a single match at the age of 38 years and 357 days.

Messi Matches Miroslav Klose’s Historic Record

Thanks to his three goals against Algeria, Messi raised his total to 16 goals in World Cup history, equaling the record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

Messi and Klose now share the top spot among World Cup scorers, each with 16 goals, ahead of Brazilian Ronaldo Nazário, who has 15 goals.

First Player to Score Against 11 Different Teams

Additionally, Messi has become the first player in World Cup history to score against 11 different teams, achieving this remarkable feat ahead of legendary names like Jürgen Klinsmann, Ronaldo Nazário, and Miroslav Klose.

Tying Rivellino’s Record

The Argentine star reached five goals from outside the penalty area in World Cup play, matching the record set by Brazilian Roberto Rivellino for the most long-range goals in tournament history.

A Record Stretching Over Two Decades

Messi achieved a unique milestone by recording the longest gap between his first and last goal in World Cup history. He scored his first goal on June 16, 2006, against Serbia and netted again on June 16, 2026, against Algeria—exactly 20 years apart.

Joining an Exclusive Club with Ronaldo

With his goal against Algeria, Messi solidified his historical status as only the second player to score in five different World Cups, alongside Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Third Oldest Goal Scorer in Tournament History

Messi also became the third oldest player to score a goal in World Cup history at age 38 years and 357 days, following Cameroon’s Roger Milla and Portugal’s Pepe.

A New Milestone Against African Teams

With his three goals against Algeria, Messi brought his total to five goals scored against African teams during World Cups. This ties him with Russia’s Oleg Salenko as the highest scorer against African nations in tournament history.

A Historic Night for the Argentine Legend

The clash with Algeria stands out as one of the most significant nights in Messi’s World Cup career. It witnessed him matching Klose’s historic record while shattering several records that affirm his continued prowess even at age thirty-eight. He continues to cement his legacy as one of football’s greatest players.