Messi Matches Klose’s World Cup Goal Record in Argentina Victory
Lionel Messi opened his record sixth World Cup with a hat-trick to become the tournament’s joint all-time top scorer, as holders Argentina launched their bid for back-to-back titles with a commanding 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
On a memorable night at the 69,045-capacity Arrowhead Stadium, the 38-year-old delivered a vintage individual display to draw level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 goals for the men’s all-time World Cup scoring record. He also moved past Pelé to set a new record of 24 World Cup goal contributions.
The occasion doubled as Messi’s 200th international appearance, and he marked it by becoming the first man to feature in six World Cups. Messi, who made his World Cup debut as a teenager at the 2006 finals in Germany, scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes for his first hat-trick at the tournament. At 38, he became the oldest player to score three goals in a single World Cup match.
His opener, a left-footed strike from outside the box, took him to 14 World Cup goals. The second, a rebound from an Alexis Mac Allister effort, lifted him to 15 to match Brazil’s Ronaldo, before the third drew him level with Klose. He left the pitch to a standing ovation four minutes after completing the treble.
Argentina, who beat France on penalties in the 2022 final in Doha after a 3-3 draw, are chasing history. No team has retained the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
France, potential final opponents again if the seedings hold, opened their own campaign on Tuesday with a 3-1 defeat of Senegal. Kylian Mbappé scored twice to overtake Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 goals. His tally of 14 World Cup goals from 15 matches also made him France’s record scorer at the finals, eclipsing Just Fontaine. Mbappé now sits third on the all-time World Cup scoring list, two goals behind Klose.
“I’m very happy to be able to write a bit more the history of my country,” Mbappé said, while coach Didier Deschamps praised his captain as “an extraordinary player” who “can win games in one moment.”
Erling Haaland marked his first World Cup appearance with two goals in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq in Group I. The Manchester City striker took his international tally to 57 goals in just 51 matches. Norway lead France in the group on goal difference after the opening round. The result marked Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
A blockbuster Group I meeting between France and Norway, pitting Mbappé against Haaland, is set for June 26. Before the tournament, the Opta supercomputer rated only Spain ahead of France among the favourites to lift the trophy, with England also among the leading contenders. For Argentina, Messi’s form suggests Klose’s record may not stand much longer.