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Every World Cup hat trick this century as Lionel Messi joins elite list

Every World Cup hat trick this century as Lionel Messi joins elite list

Lionel Messi had already done almost everything at the World Cup, but a hat trick in 2026 has added one more line to the record book. Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria saw Messi score in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes, making him the latest name on a short list of players to score three times in a World Cup match this century.

Soccer News / Athlon Sports / June 17
Alexis Mac Allister Reacts to Lionel Messi’s Performance After First World Cup Game

Alexis Mac Allister Reacts to Lionel Messi’s Performance After First World Cup Game

Alexis Mac Allister has shared the field with Lionel Messi through some of the biggest moments in Argentina’s recent soccer history, but even he appeared stunned by what the captain continues to achieve.

Soccer News / EasySportz / June 17
Messi, Mbappé and Haaland Steal the Show at the World Cup

Messi, Mbappé and Haaland Steal the Show at the World Cup

If the first week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taught us anything, it’s this: the biggest stars in the sport are embracing the moment. Tuesday delivered

Soccer News / Yardbarker Quizzes
The 'FIFA World Cup hosts' quiz

The 'FIFA World Cup hosts' quiz

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic slams 'ignorant' take from Fox Sports co-hosts
 Zlatan Ibrahimovic slams 'ignorant' take from Fox Sports co-hosts
World Cup takeaways: Elite players dazzle on star-studded day
 World Cup 2026 Tuesday takeaways: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland shine bright on star-studded day
Kylian Mbappe brace sets high bar for France in World Cup
 Kylian Mbappe brace sets high bar for France in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Logistical challenges breed World Cup brotherhood for Mexico and Iran
 Logistical challenges breed World Cup brotherhood for Mexico and Iran
Inter Miami News / Caught Offside / June 17
'We’re very similar' – Lionel Messi makes comparison with tennis legend

'We’re very similar' – Lionel Messi makes comparison with tennis legend

Lionel Messi announced his presence at the 2026 World Cup in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, scoring all three goals in their win over Algeria. The 38-year-old scored his first ever hat-trick at the World Cup for Argentina, in a masterclass that will live long in the memory.

Inter Miami News / HITC / June 17
Lionel Messi on taking inspiration from Rafa Nadal documentary

Lionel Messi on taking inspiration from Rafa Nadal documentary

Lionel Messi has explained why watching Rafael Nadal’s documentary struck a chord with him as he continues to play a key role for Argentina. Speaking in the mixed zone, the Argentina captain was asked about what keeps him going.

Inter Miami News / HITC / June 17
Gilbert Arenas had one-word response as Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick converted him into a fan

Gilbert Arenas had one-word response as Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick converted him into a fan

Gilbert Arenas has never shown much interest in football – until now. Lionel Messi’s latest World Cup performance seems to have changed that. The former NBA All-Star posted a video on X showing just how quickly he’d jumped on the Messi bandwagon after Argentina’s World Cup opener.

Inter Miami News / Athlon Sports / June 17
Lionel Messi Advanced His Legacy Over Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday

Lionel Messi Advanced His Legacy Over Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo often dominate soccer GOAT debates. The Argentinian captain further strengthened his case by breaking the Portuguese forward's record of being the oldest to record a World Cup hat-trick.

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Inter Miami News / HITC / June 17
Alan Shearer was lost for words after Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick against Algeria

Alan Shearer was lost for words after Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick against Algeria

Alan Shearer has seen more than his fair share of great goalscorers over the years, but even he was left speechless by Lionel Messi’s latest World Cup performance.

Inter Miami News / HITC / June 17
How Argentina fans celebrated win after Lionel Messi masterclass at Arrowhead Stadium

How Argentina fans celebrated win after Lionel Messi masterclass at Arrowhead Stadium

Lionel Messi’s first game at the 2026 World Cup in North America saw the Argentine take one step towards history. Argentina and Algeria faced off in a Group J clash, with the spotlight very much on Messi in what could well be his final ever World Cup.

Inter Miami News / HITC / June 17
Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick creates incredible full-circle Zinedine Zidane moment

Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick creates incredible full-circle Zinedine Zidane moment

Lionel Messi’s hat-trick in Argentina’s World Cup opener was not just another milestone, it was a moment that spanned generations as he scored past the son of one of football’s most iconic figures.

Soccer News / Yardbarker / June 17
World Cup takeaways: Elite players dazzle on star-studded day

World Cup 2026 Tuesday takeaways: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland shine bright on star-studded day

Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, may be playing in his last World Cup. If his record sixth dance at the tournament is his last, he's giving it a chance to be the best one. 

Patrick Mahomes had the greatest reaction to Messi’s hat trick in K.C.
Kylian Mbappe brace sets high bar for France in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Logistical challenges breed World Cup brotherhood for Mexico and Iran
Iran coach 'troubled' by how his team was treated after opener on U.S. soil
Report reveals how much Fox is making from World Cup 'hydration breaks'
Inter Miami News / Field Level Media / June 16
Lionel Messi produces hat trick, ties all-time World Cup goals mark

Lionel Messi produces hat trick, ties all-time World Cup goals mark

Lionel Messi's left-footed strike in the 76th minute Tuesday night against Algeria completed a sensational hat trick and boosted the Argentina star to 16 career goals at the World Cup, tying Miroslav Klose's all-time mark.

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