Messi ties all-time WC goals record to kick Argentina's title defence
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Argentina started their World Cup title defence in a nervy fashion, but then Lionel Messi reminded all 69,045 at Kansas City Stadium that he, in fact, still Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old announced his arrival at the 2026 World Cup with a stunning rocket and then proceeded to add two more goals to give Argentina a 3-0 win over Algeria. It also put him on the record books. Messi is now tied on all-time World Cup goals with Miroslav Klose with 16 goals, though the German remains in the lead due to less matches played.