The greatest of all time. Lionel Messi came up one win short of another World Cup title, bringing an unforgettable tournament run to a heartbreaking finish. After Argentina fell to Spain in extra-time of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Messi once again left his mark on the sport’s biggest stage.
Across six World Cup appearances, Messi has led Argentina to the quarterfinals or better five times and reached the final three times. His résumé now includes six World Cup appearances, 34 matches, 21 goals, 12 assists and countless records, many of which he extended during this historic tournament. His legacy on the tournament’s biggest stage is unlike anything the sport has ever seen.
Here’s a detailed look back at Messi’s remarkable World Cup career, beginning with his all-time tournament records before revisiting each of his six appearances. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated.
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