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Messi vs. Ronaldo Goals at World Cup: Updated Stats, Records Hint at Who Is the Best Player on World Stage
Messi reached 16 World Cup goals and became the oldest player to score a hat trick in the tournament, officials said.
On Wednesday, Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored a hat trick against Algeria, leading his team to a 3-0 victory and reaching 16 career FIFA World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose.
At 38y 357d, Messi became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat trick, marking his 200th international appearance on the 20th anniversary of his 2006 tournament debut.
Messi became the first Argentine player to score in five consecutive World Cup games, pushing his total career goal contributions to 24 and passing Pelé's record of 21.
This match marked Messi's first hat trick against an African nation, while Argentina recorded its largest World Cup opener win since 1994, when it defeated Greece 4-0.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet appeared in a 2026 tournament game, while both stars compete in their record sixth World Cup together.