Messi's Sweet Sixteen Settles The GOAT Debate Again: Record-Tying Hat-Trick Leaves Ronaldo Chasing

Published 17 June 2026 · sports

Messi's Sweet Sixteen Settles The GOAT Debate Again: Record-Tying Hat-Trick Leaves Ronaldo Chasing Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 10:10 IST Even after 20

Messi's Sweet Sixteen Settles The GOAT Debate Again: Record-Tying Hat-Trick Leaves Ronaldo Chasing Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 10:10 IST Even after 20 years on the World Cup stage, Messi -- football's greatest showman-- is still the main attraction. Rapid Read Messi has usurped Ronaldo as the oldest player to score a hattrick at the FIFA World Cup (X) Let’s stop kidding ourselves: Lionel Messi is the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. For the better part of two decades, the Argentine’s legacy has been tied to that of his eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Every goal, trophy and record has fuelled the never-ending debate. But if anyone still needed a reminder of why Messi exists in a category of his own, they only had to watch what unfolded in Kansas City.

A week before his 39th birthday, Messi — who scored his first-ever World Cup goal on this very date back in 2006 — produced a breathtaking hat-trick against Algeria to launch what could be his final FIFA World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion. Three goals. One masterpiece. First came a trademark long-range thunderbolt in the 17th minute to break the deadlock. Then arrived a poacher’s finish in the 60th, pouncing on a rebound inside the box. Finally, in the 76th minute, Messi completed the treble with a devastating left-footed strike from the edge of the area. The third goal carried historic weight. It took Messi to 16 FIFA World Cup goals, drawing him level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose atop the tournament’s all-time scoring charts. Sweet sixteen, indeed. And then there was another record.

One of the most common arguments in Ronaldo’s favour has always been longevity. The Portuguese superstar continues to defy age and remains the leading international goalscorer in men’s football. Yet on Tuesday, Messi turned that conversation on its head. At 38 years and 357 days old, he became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick, eclipsing Ronaldo’s previous mark. Ronaldo was 33 years and 122 days old when he famously scored a treble against Spain at the 2018 World Cup. As if rewriting the record books wasn’t enough, Messi also surged to the top of the Golden Boot standings. Earlier in the day, France superstar Kylian Mbappé had scored twice against Senegal to move ahead in the race. A few hours later, Messi reclaimed the spotlight. Some things, it seems, never change.