Lionel Messi is just one match away from reaching three historic milestones as Argentina prepares to face Austria in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria not only gave the Albiceleste a perfect start to the tournament but also brought their captain within touching distance of several records once considered untouchable at football’s biggest event.
The most notable achievement is in the race for all-time World Cup goals. Messi’s three goals against Algeria took his career World Cup tally to 16, equaling the record held by German legend Miroslav Klose. If the Argentine superstar were to score against Austria, he would become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 17 goals.
But that’s not the only record at hand. The victory against Algeria was Messi’s 16th World Cup victory, allowing him to draw with Klose another prestigious category. If Argentina were to defeat Austria, Messi would become the most successful player in World Cup history.
The third record highlights Messi’s individual brilliance. His first goal against Algeria came from one of his own signature long-range attacks. It was his fifth goal from outside the box in a World Cup competition, equaling the score scored by Brazilian legend Rivelino in the 1970s.
During his World Cup career, Messi scored from outside the box against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup, before repeating the feat against Mexico and Australia in the 2022 tournament.
Now Algeria has become the latest victim. Another long-range goal against Austria would make the Argentine number 10 the sole record holder for the most goals scored from outside the box in World Cup history.
At 39 years old and in his sixth World Cup, Messi continues to show no signs of slowing down. The match against Austria could become another historic evening, allowing the Argentina captain to add another remarkable chapter to an already extraordinary legacy.
Sources: Znews
