- Lionel Messi has added another extraordinary chapter to his legendary career by becoming only the second player in football history to score in five FIFA World Cups.
- The Argentine superstar achieved the feat during Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Algeria, joining Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive club of football immortals.
- The historic goal gave defending champions Argentina an early 1-0 lead and sent thousands of fans at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City into celebration.
Messi Joins Cristiano Ronaldo in Elite Club
- Messi is now only the second footballer ever to score in five different FIFA World Cups.
- The exclusive list includes Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Ronaldo became the first player to achieve the feat at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is also participating in his sixth World Cup in 2026.
- Messi’s goal further reignites the debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time, with the Argentine continuing to break records even at the age of 38.
Record Sixth World Cup Appearance
- The match against Algeria was special for another reason.
- Messi was making his record sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, extending his own milestone as one of the longest-serving players in tournament history.
- Interestingly, Messi had earlier found the net as well, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
World Cup Goals: Messi Climbs the All-Time List
- With his latest strike, Messi now has 14 FIFA World Cup goals and Joint third place in the all-time World Cup scoring chart.
- He is now tied with Kylian Mbappe (France) and Gerd Müller (West Germany)
The top scorers in World Cup history are:
| Player | Country | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Miroslav Klose | Germany | 16 |
| Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | 15 |
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 14 |
| Kylian Mbappe | France | 14 |
| Gerd Müller | West Germany | 14 |
Messi is now just two goals away from equalling Miroslav Klose’s all-time record.
A Perfect Anniversary
- The goal carried added emotional significance.
- It came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut for Argentina against Serbia and Montenegro.
- From a teenage prodigy in 2006 to arguably the greatest player in football history, Messi’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Overcoming Injury Concerns
- Messi entered the tournament with minor concerns over a hamstring injury suffered while playing for Inter Miami.
- However, he had already shown signs of recovery during a warm-up match against Iceland, where he scored from the penalty spot after coming on as a substitute.
- Against Algeria, he looked fully fit and once again proved decisive for Argentina.
Conclusion
- Twenty years after making his World Cup debut, Lionel Messi continues to redefine greatness.
- By becoming only the second player to score in five FIFA World Cups, the Argentine legend has once again etched his name into football history.
- As Argentina defends its World Cup crown and Messi chases more records, the football world watches in awe as one of the sport’s greatest-ever players continues to shine on its biggest stage.