Lionel Messi breaks Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup record

Lionel Messi Breaks Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Record with Historic Hat-Trick

Lionel Messi has added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career after breaking a FIFA World Cup record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Argentina captain delivered a masterclass performance in his country’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring a sensational hat-trick to become the oldest player ever to net three goals in a single World Cup match.

The achievement is the latest addition to an already extraordinary collection of records for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Messi also became the first player in football history to feature in six FIFA World Cup tournaments, further underlining his longevity and consistency at the highest level of the game.

Making the occasion even more memorable, the hat-trick was the first of Messi’s illustrious international career at the World Cup. His three goals took his overall World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with the tournament’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer and strengthening his claim as one of the greatest players ever to play the sport.

The historic performance came during Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina, adding even greater significance to a night that will be remembered by football fans around the world. His leadership and brilliance once again inspired the reigning world champions as they continued their quest for another World Cup title.

Messi’s record-breaking display has inevitably reignited comparisons with longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar previously held the record as the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, a milestone that had stood as one of the tournament’s most iconic achievements.

With Portugal yet to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, attention has once again turned to the enduring rivalry between two of football’s greatest icons. Fans around the world will now be eagerly watching to see whether Ronaldo can produce a response of his own on football’s biggest stage.

As the 2026 World Cup unfolds, Messi continues to redefine what is possible in the game, proving that even after two decades at the top, he remains capable of producing history-making performances when it matters most.