Lionel Messi is only one match away from reaching three historic milestones as Argentina prepare to face Austria in their second Group Stage game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria not only gave the Albiceleste a perfect start to the tournament but also moved 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 strikes against Algeria took his career World Cup tally to 16 goals, equaling the record held by German legend Miroslav Klose. If the Argentine superstar scores against Austria, he will become the outright highest goalscorer in World Cup history with 17 goals.
That is not the only record within reach. The win over Algeria was Messi’s 16th World Cup victory, allowing him to draw level with Klose in another prestigious category. Should Argentina defeat Austria, Messi will become the player with the most wins in World Cup history.
The third record highlights Messi’s individual brilliance. His opening goal against Algeria came from one of his trademark long-range strikes. It was his fifth goal from outside the penalty area in World Cup competition, matching the mark set by Brazilian legend Rivelino in the 1970s.
During his World Cup career, Messi has 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 at the 2022 tournament.
Now, Algeria has become the latest victim. One more long-range goal against Austria would make the Argentine No. 10 the sole holder of the record for the most goals scored from outside the box in World Cup history.
At 39 years old and competing in his sixth World Cup, Messi continues to show no signs of slowing down. The match against Austria could become another historic night, allowing the Argentina captain to add yet another remarkable chapter to an already extraordinary legacy.
Sources: Znews
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