Lionel Messi continued to create history as Argentina started their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Algeria. The Argentina captain entered the match already holding several records, but his appearance added another special achievement to his legendary career.

Messi became the first player in football history to feature in six different World Cup editions. The Argentine star had already played in five tournaments before this, and his appearance against Algeria took him into an exclusive list. Cristiano Ronaldo can also reach the same milestone when they play DR Congo later tonight.

Before the match, Messi had played 26 World Cup games, the most by any player in the history of the competition. In those matches, he had scored 13 goals and provided eight assists. The record has now extended to 27 games and 16 goals.

Joint-top scorer in @FIFAWorldCup history ✅200th Argentina appearance ✅Record-extending 27th FIFA World Cup appearance ✅First-ever FIFA World Cup hat-trick ✅A historic night for Lionel Messi! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/1D4Ubzqzos— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 17, 2026

Joint-top scorer in @FIFAWorldCup history ✅200th Argentina appearance ✅Record-extending 27th FIFA World Cup appearance ✅First-ever FIFA World Cup hat-trick ✅A historic night for Lionel Messi! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/1D4Ubzqzos

Messi scores a hat-trick

The game against Algeria was also a historic night for Messi as he made his 200th appearance for Argentina. No other player has represented the national team more times than the 38-year-old forward.

Messi added another memorable moment when he scored a brilliant goal in the 17th minute to give Argentina the lead. With that goal, he became both the youngest and oldest player to score a World Cup goal for Argentina.

Messi scored another goal early in the second half to give Argentina a 2-0 lead. With that goal, Messi became joint second on the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring list with 15 goals, sharing the record with Brazil’s Ronaldo.

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A few minutes later, Messi scored another one to complete his maiden World Cup hat-trick and match Miroslav Klose for first in the all-time scoring charts with 16 goals. Messi also became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match.

Messi was eventually substituted by Lionel Scaloni moments after he scored the hat-trick to save him for the next group stage match. Messi will turn 39 later this months and was already dealing with injury concerns before coming into the World Cup. Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 to start the campaign in style.