Lionel Messi
Argentina’s most celebrated footballer and most Ballon d’or winner (8) Lionel Messi after just two matches at the 2026 World Cup has set World Cup records too hard to beat for country and the world.
With 5 goals from just two matches, Messi is now All-time World Cup top scorer with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose (16) of Germany.
He has scored most goals by any South American, ahead of Brazil’s Ronaldo (15).
Messi has scored in six consecutive World Cup matches from 2022 to 2026.
Messi is the oldest hat-trick scorer at 38 years, 357 days, a feat he achieved against Algeria.
He has scored in his teens, 20s, and 30s, a unique achievement he shares with no player living or dead.
Messi has lasted the longest span between his first goal and the last goal: 20 years (2006–2026).
He has scored against 11 different nations, surpassing Ronaldo Nazário and Jürgen Klinsmann (10).
Messi has to his belt the most long-range goals of six, beating Rivellino (5).
He holds the record for most completed dribbles.
Messi is the youngest and oldest Argentine to score at the World Cup (at 16 and at 38).
He has scored in every stage: Group, Round of 16, Quarterfinal, Semi-final, and Final (Qatar 2022).
Messi has featured in most World Cup editions: Six (2006–2026).
Most goal contributions in a single World Cup: 21 (Qatar 2022), tied with Pelé.
Messi is the only player to win Golden Ball twice: 2014 and 2022.
He has played most matches: 28 so far.
Messi has played most minutes: 2,489 so far.
He has won most matches: 18 so far.
Most captain appearances: 20, surpassing Rafa Márquez and Diego Maradona.
Messi has most assists in five different World Cups.
Most assists in knockout phase: Six, tied with Pelé.
