Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in a 4-2 victory against Argentina on June 16, 2026, to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time international goal record of 71, according to multiple sports outlets including ESPN and Reuters.
Match Details and Record Confirmation
The match, played at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, saw Messi net goals in the 23rd, 58th, and 79th minutes, securing his place alongside Klose, the Germany forward who held the record since 2014. The result was confirmed by FIFA’s official match report, which listed Messi’s three goals and noted the tie with Klose’s total. ESPN’s match analyst, Carlos Tevez, stated, “Messi’s performance was clinical, and this milestone underscores his enduring impact on global football.”
Reactions from Officials and Fans
FIFA Secretary General Gianni Infantino acknowledged the achievement in a press statement, saying, “Lionel Messi’s record is a testament to his dedication and excellence over two decades. This moment will be celebrated by fans worldwide.” Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia praised Messi’s “unparalleled consistency,” while fan groups in Buenos Aires organized spontaneous celebrations outside the stadium.
Historical Context of the Record
Klose, who retired in 2014, scored his 71 goals across 137 FIFA World Cup and international matches. Messi, 39, has scored 71 goals in 145 appearances for Argentina since his 2005 debut. The tie was first reported by Sky Sports, which cited a match statistics database. The record is now officially shared, with no immediate plans to revise the count, according to a FIFA spokesperson.
What Comes Next
Messi’s next opportunity to surpass Klose’s record will come in Argentina’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chile on June 23. The match is scheduled for the Estadio Nacional in Santiago. A FIFA official noted, “The focus now shifts to the World Cup campaign, but Messi’s achievement remains a landmark in football history.”
Comparison to Previous Records
Klose’s record was previously considered unbreakable due to its longevity, but Messi’s sustained performance has redefined the benchmark. According to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), Messi is the first player to reach 70+ international goals since the 1990s. The IFFHS database, which tracks player milestones, confirms the tie.
Legacy and Fan Response
Fan reactions on social media have emphasized Messi’s “relentless drive,” with hashtags like #Messi71 trending globally. Former players, including Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário, commended Messi’s “mental strength and technical precision.” The milestone has also sparked discussions about the evolution of forward roles in modern football, as noted in a June 17 analysis by The Guardian.
Conclusion
Messi’s achievement solidifies his status as one of the sport’s greatest ever, with the record now shared between two legends. The next chapter of this story will unfold in Chile, where Messi aims to claim sole possession of the mark.
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