How many World Cup goals does Messi have?
Lionel Messi has 18 FIFA World Cup goals — the most in history. He surpassed Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals during the 2026 tournament hosted across the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Did Messi break the World Cup scoring record?
Yes. Messi broke the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record at the 2026 tournament. He equalled Klose's record of 16 with a hat trick against Algeria on June 16, then extended it to 18 with a brace against Austria.
Who had the record before Messi?
Miroslav Klose of Germany held the record with 16 World Cup goals across four tournaments (2002–2014). Before Klose, Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario held it at 15 goals.
Is Messi the oldest player to score a World Cup hat trick?
Yes. At 38 years and 357 days old, Messi became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat trick against Algeria on June 16, 2026 — breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's previous record.
How does Messi compare to Ronaldo in World Cup goals?
Messi leads with 18 all-time World Cup goals. Ronaldo has not scored at the 2026 World Cup group stage and is significantly behind. Messi also now holds the record as the oldest World Cup hat trick scorer — previously held by Ronaldo.
How many World Cup tournaments has Messi scored in?
Five — 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, and 2026. He is one of only two players to score at five different World Cups, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Has Argentina qualified for the Round of 32?
Yes. Argentina qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after Messi's brace against Austria, topping Group J. The Round of 32 begins June 28, 2026.
What is Messi's World Cup hat trick goal breakdown?
Messi scored his record-equalling hat trick against Algeria on June 16, 2026 in the group stage. Argentina won 3-0. All three goals were scored by Messi — taking him level with Klose on 16 before he surpassed the record against Austria.