Messi makes history by reaching six appearances in World Cups.

Lionel Messi is one step away from making history in world football by becoming the first player to compete in six World Cup finals, an unprecedented achievement that promises to ignite the 2026 edition. The Argentine star is preparing to face Algeria next Wednesday in Kansas City, and as soon as the ball starts rolling, Messi will begin a new chapter in the record books, further solidifying his status as a living legend.

At 38 years old and currently shining at Inter Miami, Messi has already participated in the World Cups of 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, and is now preparing to make history in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His debut against the African team marks an unparalleled milestone, as he will surpass legendary names such as Mexicans Antonio Carvajal, Rafael Márquez, and Andrés Guardado, as well as German Lothar Matthäus, all of whom have five appearances in final stages. Interestingly, just a few hours later, Cristiano Ronaldo could match this record if he is used against the DR Congo, further intensifying the rivalry between the two greatest figures in contemporary football.


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In addition to this achievement, Messi can further strengthen records that already belong to him. With the first whistle, he will reach his 27th match in World Cup knockout stages, extending his solitary lead in this statistic, as well as in terms of minutes on the pitch: he already has an impressive 2,315 minutes played. But the records do not stop there: in terms of goals, the Argentine has 13, following his memorable brace in the 2022 final against France. He is currently in fourth place among the all-time top scorers in World Cups, alongside Just Fontaine, and can climb even higher on this list. If he scores one goal, he will equal Gerd Müller in third place; with two, he will catch up with Ronaldo Fenómeno in second; three goals will see him match Miroslav Klose at the top of the table. However, the race for the top scorers may see changes before Argentina’s kickoff, as Kylian Mbappé, with 12 goals, plays before against Senegal and could surpass Messi.

The influence of Messi goes beyond putting balls in the back of the net. He has eight assists in World Cups, making him the sole leader in the total of goals and assists. The Argentine is a master at setting up teammates for goals, having provided assists in every edition he has participated in, another record he could extend on American soil. If Argentina defeats Algeria, Messi will equal Miroslav Klose as the player with the most wins in finals (17), surpassing Cafu, the eternal Brazilian captain.

This news is of enormous relevance to world football. Messi could finish his international career as the absolute record holder in appearances, matches, minutes, goals, assists, direct contributions to goals, and victories, an unprecedented dominance in 94 years of World Cups. In addition, he is in search of an even rarer achievement: reaching a third World Cup final, after those in 2014 and 2022, a feat only Cafu has managed so far. However, equalling Pelé – the only player with three titles – remains impossible, but Messi could, at most, join the extensive group of two-time champions if Argentina triumphs again.

Messi himself has emphasized the importance of each moment serving the national team over the years. After the victorious final in 2022, he declared emotionally: “I have always dreamed of winning everything with Argentina. Now I want to enjoy every game.” This statement, made on the pitch at Lusail Stadium, reveals the passion and determination with which he approaches each challenge, even in the later stages of his career.

The expectation is at its peak for Argentina’s debut in the 2026 World Cup. The impact of these milestones transcends numbers: Messi serves as an inspiration for new generations and keeps alive the debate about who is the greatest footballer of all time. The football world will come to a standstill to see if the Argentine star continues to break records and raise the bar of excellence even higher. Fans’ eyes will be fixed on Kansas City, where the genius from Rosario may begin his last dance on the biggest stage in world football. If he manages to secure another title or simply enhance his statistics, Messi will leave the 2026 World Cup with his name etched in gold in the eternity of the beautiful game.

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