Lionel Messi extended his World Cup scoring record with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Poland, putting him one goal away from surpassing Germany’s Rainer Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. The 36-year-old’s performance—described by one Czech outlet as “watching Picasso at work”—also reignited debate over FIFA’s decision to exclude him from the 2022 final squad, with Algerian officials filing a formal protest over the omission.
Messi’s three goals in a 3-0 victory over Poland on Tuesday moved him to 10 World Cup goals, tying him with Kylian Mbappé for the tournament lead. His final strike, a clinical finish in the 78th minute, sealed Argentina’s dominance and underscored his continued impact at age 36, a full decade after his last World Cup.
How Messi’s Record Push Compares to Mbappé’s Chase
Messi’s hat-trick now places him one goal behind Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16, a milestone he could reach as early as the quarter-finals if Argentina advances. Mbappé, who scored twice in France’s opening win over Australia, remains tied with Messi at 10 but trails in total tournament appearances (10 vs. Messi’s 26).
According to Seznam Zprávy, Messi’s performance was so dominant that it prompted comparisons to his 2014 World Cup, where he scored four goals in two games. However, the 2026 tournament has seen him play a more central role in Argentina’s attack, with coach Lionel Scaloni relying on his creativity and leadership.
Key Facts
- Final Score: Argentina 3-0 Poland
- Messi’s Goals: 3 (tied for tournament lead with Kylian Mbappé)
- Record Chase: 10 goals (1 behind Rainer Klose’s 16)
- Algerian Protest: Officially filed with FIFA over Messi’s exclusion from 2022 squad
- Next Match: Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia (Group C) on June 14
Why Algeria’s Protest Could Reshape World Cup Politics
Algeria’s decision to protest FIFA’s exclusion of Messi from the 2022 final squad—where he was omitted despite Argentina’s title win—has added a new layer to the tournament’s controversies. The North African nation’s football federation argued that Messi’s absence violated FIFA’s rules on player eligibility, a claim that could force a review of past selections.
According to Aktuálně.cz, the protest was filed under FIFA’s “player eligibility” clause, which typically governs issues like nationality or contract disputes. However, Messi’s case revolves around his omission from the 2022 squad despite being a key figure in Argentina’s campaign. The move comes as Messi’s influence on the pitch has never been more pronounced, with his hat-trick against Poland further cementing his legacy.
If FIFA upholds the protest, it could set a precedent for future tournaments, potentially allowing players like Messi—who have been central to their national teams’ success—to challenge selections more aggressively.
What’s Next for Messi and Argentina
Argentina’s next fixture is a Group C match against Saudi Arabia on June 14, where Messi will aim to add to his goal tally. If he scores once more, he will surpass Klose’s record, a feat that would dominate World Cup headlines. Meanwhile, Mbappé’s France will look to maintain their momentum after a strong start, with the two superstars now locked in a battle for the tournament’s top scorer.
Poland, meanwhile, faces a tough path to qualification after the heavy defeat. Their next match is against Mexico on June 13, where they will need a significant turnaround to advance from Group B.
Note: This article is based on reports from Seznam Zprávy, Deník.cz, Aktuálně.cz, and Sport.cz.
