Argentine captain Lionel Messi has drawn level with German legend Miroslav Klose as the joint highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history after producing a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi’s three-goal performance took his overall World Cup tally to 16 goals, matching the record previously held by Klose. The Argentine superstar reached the milestone after featuring in 26 World Cup matches, while Klose scored his 16 goals in 24 appearances for Germany.
The achievement further cements Messi’s place among football’s greatest players as he continues to shine on the world’s biggest stage.
Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, have enjoyed a strong start to their campaign and currently sit atop their group, which includes Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
With his record-equalling feat, Messi remains on course to surpass Klose and become the outright leading goal scorer in World Cup history as the tournament progresses.
