Lionel Messi scores past Algeria's defense, securing a 3-0 victory in the opening match of group J at the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City, Missouri, on 16/6. Photo: AP

A hat-trick against Algeria brought Messi to 16 goals in World Cups, equaling the record held by former German striker Miroslav Klose. Therefore, with just one more goal against Austria, Messi will become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. This is the most prestigious of the three records awaiting Argentina's captain.

Klose has held the record of 16 goals since the 2014 World Cup. Messi, meanwhile, has scored in six consecutive World Cups from 2006 to 2026. After scoring 7 goals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, contributing to Argentina's championship victory, he further increased his total with the hat-trick against Algeria.

The second record also involves Klose. The victory against Algeria marked Messi's 16th win in World Cup matches, matching the achievement of the former German international. Should Argentina defeat Austria, Messi will accumulate 17 World Cup wins, becoming the player with the most victories in the tournament's history. Argentina is considered stronger than Austria, making this milestone likely to be set in the next match.

The remaining record is more specific. Messi's left-footed opening goal against Algeria was his fifth goal from outside the penalty area in a World Cup, equaling the record held by Brazilian legend Rivelino.

Rivelino scored five goals from outside the penalty area in the 1970 and 1974 World Cups. He found the net against Czechoslovakia, Peru, Uruguay, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), and East Germany, establishing a record that stood for 52 years.

Messi now also has five such goals. Three were scored at the 2014 World Cup against Bosnia, Iran, and Nigeria. His next long-range goal came at the 2022 World Cup against Mexico. The opening goal against Algeria recently marked his fifth from outside the box, allowing him to catch Rivelino. It is important to note that Messi's goal that sealed the 3-0 score against Algeria was recorded when the ball was on the penalty area line, and thus counted as being within the penalty area.

Messi's hat-trick against Algeria

If he continues to score from outside the penalty area against Austria or in subsequent matches, Messi will become the player with the most long-range goals in World Cup history.

Messi currently holds numerous other World Cup records, such as: most matches (27), most tournaments with at least one assist (5), most assists in knock-out rounds (6), and most World Cup Golden Balls (two).

Hoang An (according to Ole)