June 16, 2026 may be the single greatest day of individual performances in World Cup history. Lionel Messi scored his first-ever hat trick in a FIFA World Cup at age 38, Kylian Mbappe broke France’s all-time scoring record, and Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway crushed Iraq 4-1. All three matches finished in the same evening window in what broadcasters immediately labeled “Superstar Tuesday.”
Messi’s three goals in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria came in his record sixth World Cup appearance, making him the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat trick by more than five years.
Messi’s Historic Hat Trick
Lionel Messi entered the 2026 World Cup having scored 13 career World Cup goals across five tournaments but never a hat trick in the competition. That changed on June 16 when he put three past Algeria’s goalkeeper in a dominant group-stage opener.
At 38 years and 357 days, according to ESPN, Messi broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the oldest player to score a World Cup hat trick by more than five years. The hat trick also brought Messi to 16 career World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time record.
Al Jazeera’s coverage described Messi as “rewriting the history books” in what may be his final World Cup tournament, noting that his performance against Algeria showed none of the physical decline some observers had predicted when he entered the tournament.
Mbappe Breaks France Records
Kylian Mbappe’s brace in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal was almost overshadowed by Messi’s performance but contained its own historic significance. The two goals brought Mbappe to 14 career World Cup goals, breaking Just Fontaine’s French national record of 13, and to 58 career goals for France overall, surpassing Olivier Giroud’s all-time record.
At 27, Mbappe now holds both France’s World Cup scoring record and its all-time international goals record. With multiple tournaments potentially ahead of him, he is on pace to challenge Messi’s overall World Cup goals record before his career ends.
Haaland and Norway’s Statement Win
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in a group-stage match that established Norway as a serious contender. The braces made Haaland the first Norwegian player to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match, according to ESPN stats.
Norway’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is itself historic. The nation last appeared at a World Cup in 1998 and qualified for 2026 after a qualification campaign built around Haaland’s Manchester City form. The 4-1 result against Iraq was Norway’s most emphatic opening to a World Cup.
June 16 Results Summary
| Match | Score | Scorers | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Algeria | 3-0 | Messi (hat trick) | Group D |
| France vs Senegal | 3-1 | Mbappe x2, Dembele; Dia (SEN) | Group B |
| Norway vs Iraq | 4-1 | Haaland x2, Odegaard, Sorloth; Al-Rashid (IRQ) | Group F |
Golden Boot Race After Week One
Messi leads the Golden Boot standings after the first round of group matches with three goals. Haaland sits second with two. Mbappe is third alongside several other players on two goals.
The convergence of all three superstars in the same tournament, in what is widely expected to be Messi’s farewell and potentially Mbappe and Haaland’s first serious tilt at the title, has given the 2026 World Cup an extraordinary narrative framework from week one.
According to Yahoo Sports, England’s Harry Kane and Brazil’s Vinicius Jr also scored in opening matches and are early Golden Boot contenders as the group stage progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Messi score a hat trick at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Lionel Messi scored his first career FIFA World Cup hat trick on June 16, 2026, in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria. At 38 years and 357 days, he became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat trick, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record by over five years. The hat trick brought his career World Cup goals tally to 16, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time record.
How many World Cup goals does Messi have?
After June 16, Messi has 16 career FIFA World Cup goals across six tournaments (2006-2026). This ties him with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the all-time World Cup goals record. He previously held the record for most World Cup wins as a player (1, from 2022) and now holds the record for oldest World Cup hat trick scorer.
What records did Mbappe break at the 2026 World Cup?
Kylian Mbappe broke two French national records on June 16, 2026. His 14th career World Cup goal surpassed Just Fontaine’s French record of 13. His 58th career international goal for France surpassed Olivier Giroud’s all-time record for the national team.
Trust Post Desk
A journalist and editor at TrustPost.org covering world and national news, technology updates and human-interest stories. They check every fact, interview sources in person or online, and aim to deliver clear, accurate reporting. Their work ranges from breaking news to in-depth features and daily newsletters. Outside the newsroom, they follow emerging trends and engage with readers on social media.
