World Cup 2026: Messi sets three records after scoring hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, in the early hours of today, set three records in the World Cup after scoring a hat-trick in his side’s 3-0 win over Algeria.

A first-half goal and a brace in the second half ensured Argentina defeated Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium.

Following the final whistle, Messi is now the only player in World Cup history to have scored against eleven different national teams.

The Inter Miami forward surpassed the previous mark of ten held by Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário and Germany’s Jürgen Klinsmann.

Also, at 38 years, 357 days old,  Messi is the oldest player to score multiple goals or a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup match, surpassing Cameroon legend Roger Milla (30years and 34days) in 1990.

Finally, the game against Algeria was also a historic night for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as he made his 200th appearance for Argentina. No other player has represented the national team more times than the 38-year-old star.

Messi will hope to lead Argentina to another victory when they face Austria in their next match next Monday.