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Messi Hat-Trick Ties Klose Record, Marks 200th Cap

6/17/2026

37 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Messi Hat-Trick

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City on June 16, 2026.
The goals gave Messi 16 World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time men’s record.
The match gave Messi his 200th cap and made him the first male to appear in six World Cups.
At 38, Messi became the oldest player to record a World Cup hat-trick.

Summary

Messi Scores Hat-Trick

Lionel Messi completed a hat-trick, scoring his second goal in the match while managing a hamstring issue.
QB Patrick Mahomes posted a goat emoji after Messi’s second goal and three after the hat-trick.
Norway striker Erling Haaland called Messi “a madman” on Snapchat after the hat-trick.
Fans in Messi’s No. 10 jersey gathered near Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where ex-NFL QB Jameis Winston attended a watch party in Argentina jersey.

History

Historical Context

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Germany’s Miroslav Klose scored his 16th tournament goal against Brazil on 8 July 2014, surpassing Brazil’s Ronaldo (15 goals) as the all-time World Cup scorer. The record came during a historic 7–1 semi-final loss for host Brazil, underscoring the tournament’s high-scoring nature. Germany later defeated Argentina in the final, clinching its fourth World Cup title.

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Messi Hat-Trick

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City on June 16, 2026.
The goals gave Messi 16 World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time men’s record.
The match gave Messi his 200th cap and made him the first male to appear in six World Cups.
At 38, Messi became the oldest player to record a World Cup hat-trick.

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