Messi hits hat-trick vs Algeria, sets three World Cup records at 38
Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on the morning of June 17, 2026. The achievement made him the first player ever to score against eleven different national teams in World Cup history, surpassing Ronaldo Nazário and Jürgen Klinsmann who each reached ten. At 38 years and 357 days old, Messi also became the oldest player to score multiple goals or a hat-trick in a World Cup match, beating Roger Milla’s 1990 record. Additionally, the match marked his 200th appearance for the Argentina national team, a milestone no other player has reached.
These records highlight Messi’s extraordinary longevity and continued elite performance at an age when most players have retired. For Argentina, the victory boosts confidence ahead of their next group-stage match against Austria on Monday. Fans worldwide see the feat as further evidence in the GOAT debate, while younger players view it as proof that world-class performance can extend well into the late thirties with proper care and motivation.
Will Messi maintain this form to lead Argentina to a deep tournament run, or will fatigue and tougher defenses eventually catch up? Considering his current Golden Boot lead and the team’s attacking balance, many expect him to remain a decisive factor. If you’re tracking the race, watch for how his performance influences Argentina’s strategy in the upcoming matches and whether any rival can challenge his historic milestones.