From 200th international cap to record-tying hat-trick: Lionel Messi rewrites record books as World Champion Argentina steamrolls Algeria in FIFA World Cup 2026 opener

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Argentina vs Algeria: As defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina opened their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into football history by becoming the first player to appear in six World Cup tournaments. The 38-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years earlier, also marked another major milestone by earning his 200th international cap.

The Argentine legend could not have marked the occasion in a better way, leading the South American nation to a 3-0 victory over Algeria while also equalling Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals with a hat-trick.

Messi opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike in Kansas City before adding a close-range finish and completing the first World Cup hat-trick of his career, taking his tally to 16 goals in the tournament. Following Messi's milestone, Cristiano Ronaldo, his long-time rival, could also match the record of six World Cup appearances if he featured for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday (June 17, 2026).

From Teenage Prodigy to Football Legend: Messi’s journey at a glance

Messi made his World Cup debut as a teenager at the 2006 tournament in Germany and announced the 2022 edition would be his last. He worked his unique magic in the Gulf state, propelling his team to glory with seven goals, including two in a captivating final against France.

But the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner changed his mind about hanging up his boots and was the top-scorer in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Inter Miami player has been in fine form in the MLS, scoring 13 goals in 16 games in 2026. "I love playing football, and I'm going to do it until I can't anymore," the former Barcelona forward said recently, as quoted by news agency AFP. Argentina's all-time top-scorer is just the third man to reach 200 caps after Ronaldo and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa.

ALSO READ: Messi adds another chapter to his legacy, ties World Cup all-time goals record with stunning hat-trick for Argentina