Lionel Messi
Argentina·Inter Miami CFPace
PAC
Shooting
SHO
Passing
PAS
Physicality
PHY
Defending
DEF
Dribbling
DRI
About
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Argentine captain led his nation to glory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, finally claiming the one trophy that had eluded him throughout his legendary career. Messi arrives at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada as the defending champion and the all-time leading scorer in international football. At 38, this could be his final World Cup appearance, making every moment on the pitch a historic occasion for fans around the globe.
World Cup Record
1 goal · 1 assist
1 assist
4 goals · 1 assist
1 goal
7 goals · 3 assists
Lionel Messi has participated in five FIFA World Cups for Argentina. He made his debut at the 2006 tournament in Germany and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players on the global stage. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Messi led Argentina to the final, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player despite the heartbreaking defeat to Germany in extra time. After painful quarter-final exits in 2010 and 2018, Messi finally achieved his dream in 2022, guiding Argentina past France in a sensational penalty shootout final in Qatar. He scored seven goals and provided three assists throughout that tournament, cementing his status as a World Cup legend.
WC 2026 Preview
At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Messi will likely be making his final appearance on the world's greatest stage. Argentina enter as defending champions and Messi, even at 38, remains their most important creative force. Playing in North America — where he now plies his trade with Inter Miami in MLS — Messi will feel at home and will be motivated to go out on the highest possible note. Expect Argentina to challenge deep into the knockout rounds with Messi pulling the strings from his free role behind the strikers. A second consecutive World Cup title would make him, by many measures, the greatest player in the history of football without question.
FAQ
QIs Lionel Messi playing at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Lionel Messi is expected to represent Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. At 38 years old, it will likely be his sixth and final World Cup appearance.
QHow many World Cup goals has Messi scored?
Lionel Messi has scored 13 goals across five FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022), making him one of the all-time top scorers in World Cup history.
QDid Messi win the 2022 World Cup?
Yes, Lionel Messi won the FIFA World Cup 2022 with Argentina, defeating France on penalties in the final in Qatar. He won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
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