Messi Breaks Ronaldo’s World Cup Hat‑Trick Record as Argentina Beats Algeria in 2026 Qualifier

Argentina’s Lionel Messi achieved the first FIFA World Cup hat‑trick of his career, scoring three goals against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday, Sportstar reports.

At 38 years and 357 days old, Messi also became the oldest player to record a World Cup hat‑trick, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.

Ronaldo was 33 years and 122 days old when he netted a hat‑trick against Spain in a 2018 group‑stage match.

Messi opened the scoring with a long‑range strike in the 17th minute. He added a second by poking in a rebound in the 60th minute.

The third goal came in the 76th minute from a left‑footed drive from the edge of the box, bringing his total to 91 goals and tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most goals in FIFA World Cup history.

It was Messi’s 11th hat‑trick in international football.

James Agberebi

James is a sport content creator and also does analysis on sports. Also, James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men and women national teams. Facebook : James Agberebi