Jun 28, 2026 04:52 AM IST Jordan vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Live: The importance of Messi for ARG Messi scored all five goals for Argentina in the first two group matches, and now has 18 goals overall in his six World Cups.
He had his first-ever hat trick in the tournament in a 3-0 win over Algeria to tie the career scoring record at 16 goals that had been held by Miroslav Klose of Germany.
He broke that mark with the goals in a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys — where the group finale will be played.
Klose played in 24 World Cup matches for Germany, which wrapped up his fourth tournament by winning the 2014 final 1-0 in extra time over Messi and Argentina.
Kylian Mbappé matched Klose at 16 with two goals in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq later Monday.
Mbappé, who has four goals in the tournament, didn't score in a 4-1 win over Norway on Friday in his final group match.
Considered by many to be the greatest player of all time, Messi has made 201 international appearances for Argentina, including a FIFA-record 28 World Cup matches.
He has scored in six consecutive World Cup games, joining France striker Just Fontaine and Brazil great Jairzinho as only players to do that.
Messi had been dealing with a minor hamstring injury with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer that slowed him in the lead-up to the World Cup. (Via Associated Press)
