17.06.2026 08:11
In the first match of Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0, with Lionel Messi scoring 3 goals to reach 16 goals in his World Cup career, tying German Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time top scorer. Messi also became the first player to appear in 6 different World Cups.
Lionel Messi, star of Argentina who beat Algeria 3-0 in their first match in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has become one of the two top scorers in World Cup history.
REACHED 16 GOALS
Messi, who became the first player to appear in six different World Cups by taking the field against Algeria, shared the top scorer spot in World Cup history with German player Miroslav Klose after scoring goals in the match played in Kansas.
Messi, who came to Kansas with 13 goals, scored all three of Argentina's goals against Algeria, increasing his total goal count in his World Cup career to 16. Rising to the position of top scorer in World Cup history alongside Klose, Messi will take the lead in this category if he scores one more goal.
NOT ALONE IN THE RACE FOR THE TOP
France's star Kylian Mbappe follows Messi, who has 16 goals and increased his record for most appearances in World Cup history to 27 with the Algeria match, in the race for top scorer.
Mbappe, who brought his goal tally to 14 by scoring 2 goals against Senegal in his first match of the 2026 World Cup, will try to surpass Messi with goals scored before the tournament ends.
Following these players, the list of top scorers in the World Cup includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, and Neymar, each with 8 goals.