Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria to remind everyone watching the 2026 World Cup about his greatness. In doing so, he took a milestone away from his career-rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Per statistician MisterChip, by scoring a hat-trick vs. Algeria, Messi became the oldest player to score three goals in World Cup history at 38 years and 357 days old. He surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick against Spain at 33 years and 130 days of age in Russia 2018. Messi also surpassed Ronaldo by scoring at 38 years old.
The Argentinian is on pace to break plenty more records during this World Cup if he is able to keep this kind of momentum going. As a matter of fact, no player has scored against more teams in the World Cup than Messi. Also, he is already the all-time World Cup top scorer, though he doesn’t hold that record on his own… yet.
Would Messi become the oldest World Cup winner in history if Argentina wins?
While it would be epic, and the cherry on top in his illustrious career, a second tournament win wouldn’t make Messi the oldest player to win the World Cup. That record belongs to Italy’s legendary goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who won it at 40 years and 133 days old.
Goalkeeper Dino Zoff (right) after Italy’s victory in 1982 World Cup
However, if Messi does guide Argentina to a back-to-back World Cup victory, he would become the oldest non-goalkeeper to win the tournament. As of now, that record belongs to Nilton Santos (37 years and 32 days). Messi is already third in that list winning it in 2022 at 35 years and 177 years old.
Key difference between Messi and Ronaldo’s hat-tricks
Messi gave Argentina three points against Algeria, which meant his team won. Ronaldo’s hat-trick gave Portugal a last-minute draw against Spain in Russia 2018. Hence, one could argue Messi’s hat-trick was more productive from a mathematical standpoint.
As for context, one could argue it was Ronaldo’s hat-trick the one that impressed the most, given that it was against a top-tier team like Spain, and it helped avoid defeat in dramatic fashion. This is a matter of perspective, as both hat-tricks were jaw-dropping performances.
