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Lionel Messi rewrites history books at record sixth World Cup
TL;DR
Lionel Messi has become the most decorated player in FIFA World Cup history, scoring a hat-trick in his sixth tournament appearance. He is the first player to participate in six World Cups, achieving this milestone during Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria.
Key points
- Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria
- Messi is the first player to appear in six World Cups
- He achieved his 200th international appearance
- Argentina won the match 3-0
- Cristiano Ronaldo will match Messi's World Cup appearance record
Mentioned in this story
Lionel MessiCristiano RonaldoGuillermo OchoaKansas City
FIFA World CupArgentinaAlgeria
Argentina icon Lionel Messi has become the most decorated player of all time at the FIFA World Cup, scoring his maiden tournament hat-trick against Algeria in a match his side won 3-0, at a personal record sixth World Cup appearance.
The 38-year-old rewrote the history books from the minute he stepped onto the pitch at Kansas City Stadium for his 200th international appearance on Tuesday night.
Messi became the first man to play in six World Cups when he was named in Argentina’s starting XI, a record that will be shared by Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday, and Guillermo Ochoa, if the Mexican veteran goalkeeper is sent onto the pitch during the tournament.
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring their second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match against Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri, US, on June 16, 2026 [Amy Kontras/EPA]
Messi’s first goal of the night came at 17 minutes and equalled Kylian Mbappe’s 14 goals at a World Cup, with the Frenchman having eclipsed the Argentinian just hours earlier in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal in New York.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s fairytale start to his sixth World Cup was slightly delayed, however, when his first goal in the fourth minute was overturned by the referee.
Still, Messi worked his magic and netted to the right of the goal after Algerian keeper Luca Zidane offered a rebound, making it Messi’s 15th World Cup goal.
Messi’s decades-long legacy at the tournament began when, at 18 years of age, he made his World Cup debut in 2006, the same year that Zidane’s father, French legend Zinedine Zidane, enjoyed his best run.
Whether it is a poetic sign from the universe or a tournament scheduling coincidence, Tuesday marked exactly 20 years to the day since Messi earned his first World Cup cap for Argentina against Serbia and Montenegro.
No sooner had Messi equalled the Brazilian Ronaldo’s record than he completed his hat-trick and matched Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals. It was also his 120th international career goal.
Q&A
How many World Cups has Lionel Messi played in?
Lionel Messi has played in six FIFA World Cups.
What record did Messi achieve during the World Cup match against Algeria?
Messi scored his first hat-trick in a World Cup match during the game against Algeria.
Who shares the record for most World Cup appearances with Messi?
Cristiano Ronaldo will share the record for most World Cup appearances with Messi.
What milestone did Messi reach with his 200th international appearance?
Messi reached his 200th international appearance during the World Cup match against Algeria.
