Messi on verge of three more records in Austria match

Argentina captain Lionel Messi is on the brink of three major records after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup, leading his team to a 3-0 victory.

With his hat-trick against Algeria, Messi's total World Cup goals now stand at 16, equalling the record of German legend Miroslav Klose. One more goal in the group match against Austria will make Messi the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history with 17 goals.

Messi is also closing in on the record for most World Cup wins. The victory against Algeria was his 16th World Cup win, matching Klose's record. A win against Austria with Messi on the field will see him hold the record alone.

The third record within reach is for long-range goals in the World Cup. His left-footed strike from outside the box against Algeria was his fifth long-range goal in the tournament, equalling the record of Brazilian legend Roberto Rivelino. Rivelino scored five long-range goals in the 1970 and 1974 World Cups. Messi's five goals have come from three different World Cups: in 2014 against Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria; in 2022 against Mexico and Australia; and in the current tournament against Algeria.

The upcoming match against Austria presents the 38-year-old Argentine captain with the opportunity to claim three historic records for himself.