Lionel Messi Equals FIFA World Cup Goals Record With Hat-Trick At Age 38
Argentina captain draws level with Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, proving once again why many consider him the greatest player of all time.
Lionel Messi has spent nearly two decades rewriting football history.
On the opening day of Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner added another remarkable chapter to his legacy, scoring a hat-trick to become the joint-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
The 38-year-old’s three-goal performance moved him onto 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring charts.
It was yet another reminder that even in the twilight of his career, Messi remains capable of delivering on football’s biggest stage.
Messi Responds To Mbappé And Haaland
Earlier in the day, football fans were celebrating impressive performances from two of the game’s biggest stars.
Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal, while Erling Haaland also found the net twice for Norway.
But as has happened so many times throughout his career, Messi stole the spotlight.
The Argentina captain produced a hat-trick in his nation’s opening match of the tournament, not only securing victory for the reigning world champions but also equalling one of the most prestigious records in football history.
The Greatest Goalscorers In World Cup History
| Rank | Player | Country | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| =1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 16 |
| =1 | Miroslav Klose | Germany | 16 |
| 3 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | 15 |
| =4 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 14 |
| =4 | Gerd Müller | Germany | 14 |
| 6 | Just Fontaine | France | 13 |
| 7 | Pelé | Brazil | 12 |
| 8 | Sándor Kocsis | Hungary | 11 |
| =9 | Jürgen Klinsmann | Germany | 11 |
| =9 | Helmut Rahn | Germany | 10 |
With potentially several matches still to play in this tournament, Messi now has a realistic opportunity to become the outright holder of the record before the 2026 World Cup ends.
A World Cup Career For The Ages
Messi’s World Cup journey began in Germany in 2006.
Twenty years later, he is still producing moments of brilliance on football’s biggest stage.
His World Cup résumé is unmatched:
- FIFA World Cup winner (2022)
- Two World Cup finals
- Golden Ball winner
- Most World Cup appearances by an outfield player
- Joint all-time World Cup top scorer
- 16 World Cup goals
- Countless assists and match-winning performances
The crowning moment of his international career came in Qatar in 2022 when he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory, scoring seven goals and lifting the one major trophy that had previously eluded him.
Many believed that tournament would be his final World Cup.
Instead, Messi has returned in 2026 and is once again making history.
Age Is Just A Number
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Messi’s latest achievement is his age.
At 38, most footballers have long since retired from international football or moved into reduced roles.
Messi, however, continues to decide matches at the highest level.
His hat-trick was a reminder that while football’s next generation, led by Mbappé, Haaland, Jude Bellingham and others, continues to emerge, the sport’s biggest stage still belongs to one of its greatest-ever players.
One More Record Within Reach
For years, Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals appeared untouchable.
Now Messi stands alongside him.
Given Argentina’s ambitions of defending their crown and the form shown by their captain in the opening game, it would be no surprise if the record becomes his alone before the tournament concludes.
And if that happens, it will be yet another milestone in a career that has already redefined greatness.
