Every Stat To Know About Lionel Messi's Historic World Cup Hat Trick

Tuesday was a day full of superstars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, one player continued to show why he's the greatest of all-time.

Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday night, netting his first hat trick ever in a World Cup match. His three goals came hours after France's Kylian Mbappé and Norway's Erling Haaland each scored two goals in their respective matches earlier in the day, with Messi once again one-upping his top competition. 

The three goals also moved Messi atop the World Cup record books. He now has 16 career goals in the World Cup, moving him into a tie for first place for the most ever.

So, as Messi continues to make history at the ripe age of 38, here's a look at his latest memorable performance by the numbers. 

16: Messi's goals in the World Cup are tied for the most ever. Only former Germany star Miroslav Klose has as many World Cup goals with 16, while ex-Brazilian star Ronaldo scored 15 goals at the World Cup. 

38: Messi is now the oldest player in men's World Cup history to record a brace and a hat trick at 38 years, 357 days old. He passed Cristiano Ronaldo for the record for the oldest player to score a hat trick in a World Cup match. Ronaldo scored a hat trick vs. Spain in 2018 at 33 years old.

3: While Tuesday was Messi's first hat trick in a World Cup, it's the third time he's scored at least two goals in a World Cup match. 

120: Messi now has 120 goals in international play. That's only second to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 143.

11: Tuesday was Messi's 11th hat trick for Argentina. 

5: Messi's hat trick is the fifth all-time for Argentina at the World Cup. Only Germany has more with six.

10: Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, is the 10th player