An exceptional edition for the legend Messi at the World Cup
At 39 years old, Lionel Messi is delivering one of the finest editions of his career at the World Cup, smashing new records while leading Argentina to the semi-final, in what could be his final tournament appearance.
At 39 years old, Lionel Messi is proving he remains at the top of his game, delivering one of the finest editions of his career at the World Cup — likely his last — during this 2026 tournament.
A blistering start through the group stage
Messi launched his tournament with a historic hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria (minutes 17, 60, 76), his very first World Cup hat-trick. He followed it up with a brace in the 2-0 win over Austria (38th and 90th), then a decisive goal in the 3-1 win over Jordan (80th), closing out the group stage with 6 goals, the highest tally of any player at that stage.
Consistency through the knockout rounds
Messi kept scoring in the knockout stage, with a goal in the win over Cape Verde in the round of 32 (29th), and another against Egypt in the round of 16 (83rd), taking his tournament total to 8 goals, level with Kylian Mbappé at the top of the scoring charts.
Historic records
With 21 goals to his name, Messi is now the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. He has also become the competition's all-time leading assist provider with 10 assists, surpassing the total he previously shared with Diego Maradona. Messi also holds the record for most World Cup appearances (26 matches) and most tournament Golden Balls (2).
According to Opta statistics, Messi has become the first player since this kind of statistical tracking began in 1966 to record, in a single World Cup edition: at least 10 chances created, 10 successful dribbles, 10 through balls, and 10 fouls won.
Under his leadership, Argentina will face the winner of England vs Norway in the semi-final, in pursuit of one more chapter to his legend before a possible farewell to his World Cup career.
