‘There’s a secret’ - How Lionel Messi made ‘flying’ start to World Cup 2026 with Argentina
Lionel Messi has led Argentina to the Round of 32 with two wins. He scored all five of the team's goals in the opening matches. His two goals against Austria in Arlington made him the tournament's all-time top scorer.
What changed
Messi is now confirmed as the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history.
Live updates
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Messi Becomes All-Time World Cup Leading Scorer
confidence 95%Lionel Messi has led Argentina to the Round of 32 with two wins. He scored all five of the team's goals in the opening matches. His two goals against Austria in Arlington made him the tournament's all-time top scorer.
What's confirmed:
- Lionel Messi is the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history.
- Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 on Monday in Arlington, Texas.
- Messi scored both goals in the victory over Austria.
- Argentina has advanced to the Round of 32.
- Messi has scored all five of Argentina's goals in the tournament so far.
Still unconfirmed:
- Messi's time in MLS helped him emphasize traits that benefit him at the international level.
- The current Argentine team structure is built specifically for Messi and relies on him for goals while he does little defending.
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Messi Breaks World Cup Scoring Record in 2026 Campaign
confidence 100%Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 opening win over Algeria. He later scored his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals in a 2-0 victory against Austria in Dallas. These performances have secured Argentina a place in the knockout stages.
What's confirmed:
- Lionel Messi scored three goals in Argentina's first match of the 2026 World Cup to beat Algeria 3-0.
- Messi scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals in a game against Austria.
- Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Dallas to advance to the knockout stage.
- Messi is 38 years old.
Still unconfirmed:
- Messi underwent a special and discreet preparation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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Messi Matches All-Time World Cup Goal Record in Argentina Opener
confidence 100%Lionel Messi scored three goals in Argentina's first match of the 2026 World Cup to beat Algeria 3-0. The 38-year-old captain has now matched Miroslav Klose for the most goals in men's World Cup history. He is also the first player to appear in six World Cups.
What's confirmed:
- Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's opening 2026 World Cup match against Algeria.
- Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0.
- Messi has reached 16 goals, equaling Miroslav Klose's record for the most goals in men's World Cup history.
- Messi is the first player to feature in six World Cups.
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Messi Ties World Cup Scoring Record with Hat Trick Against Algeria
confidence 95%Lionel Messi scored three goals in Argentina's opening World Cup 2026 match to defeat Algeria 3-0. The 38-year-old captain reached 16 goals, equaling Miroslav Klose's record for the most goals in men's World Cup history. The victory marked Messi's 200th international appearance.
What's confirmed:
- Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup 2026 opening match.
- Lionel Messi scored a hat trick during the match against Algeria.
- Messi tied Miroslav Klose's record for the most goals in men's World Cup history with 16 goals.
- The match marked Lionel Messi's 200th international appearance for Argentina.
- The game took place in Kansas City.
Still unconfirmed:
- There are questions regarding whether Messi should have received a red card before his hat trick.
- Messi experienced difficult and complicated days after being moved to tears on the field.
- Coach Scaloni described Messi's feats as inexplicable.