Lionel Messi achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, equalling Miroslav Klose’s previous record. The Argentinian captain accomplished this feat by scoring a hat-trick in his team’s 3-0 victory over Algeria. This match marked Argentina’s opening game in Group J of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Messi’s performance was pivotal in securing a dominant win for the Albiceleste. The hat-trick underscores Messi’s continued impact on the international stage and solidifies his legacy in football history. This victory provides a strong start for Argentina as they pursue qualification for the 2026 World Cup.