How many World Cup hat-tricks has Lionel Messi scored?

Messi scores a stunning hat-trick against Algeria to equal the all-time World Cup scoring record with his 16th tournament goal.

AMY KONTRAS

Javier Gálvez

Update: Jun 16th, 2026 23:18 EDT

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Leo Messi gave a masterclass during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria. He silenced all of his critics with a stunning hat-trick and left the pitch to a standing ovation from the entire stadium in Kansas City.

How many World Cup hat-tricks has Lionel Messi scored? — KANSAS CITY (United States), 17/06/2026.- Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with supporters after scoring the 2-0 goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match Argentina against Algeria, in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, 16 June 2026. EFE/EPA/AMY KONTRAS AMY KONTRAS

Messi’s first ever World Cup hat-trick

Messi needed only 17 minutes to find the back of the net in the 2026 World Cup. He picked up the ball in the middle of the pitch, saw the defense backing off, and from the edge of the area, tucked it into the bottom right corner. The stadium went wild.

With 61 minutes on the clock, Mac Allister struck a rocket from long distance. Luca Zidane spilled the rebound, teeing it up perfectly for Messi, who calmly slotted it into the back of the net.

In the 78th minute, Messi still had another stunning strike in his bag. He curled the ball from the edge of the box, leaving Zidane with no option to keep it out.

Just like that, at 38 years old, he scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and tied Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading goalscorer in tournament history.

Lionel Messi’s World Cup goals: A complete tournament breakdown

Germany 2006 (1 goal):

vs. Serbia and Montenegro (Group Stage)

South Africa 2010 (0 goals):

Did not score in this edition

Brazil 2014 (4 goals):

vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group Stage)
vs. Iran (Group Stage)
vs. Nigeria (Group Stage) – Scored 2 goals

Russia 2018 (1 goal):

vs. Nigeria (Group Stage)

Qatar 2022 (7 goals):

vs. Saudi Arabia (Group Stage)
vs. Mexico (Group Stage)
vs. Australia (Round of 16)
vs. Netherlands (Quarterfinals)
vs. Croatia (Semifinals)
vs. France (Final) – Scored 2 goals

USA, Canada & Mexico 2026 (3 goals):

vs. Algeria (Group Stage) – Scored a hat-trick