7M - Lionel Messi Chases Historic Records At 2026 World Cup

The upcoming 2026 World Cup could mark another historic chapter in Lionel Messi's illustrious career. Beyond chasing team glory, the Argentine captain has several milestones within reach should he play in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Having previously featured in five World Cups between 2006 and 2022, Messi currently sits alongside an elite group of players. However, stepping onto the pitch in 2026 would make him the first footballer in history to participate in six different editions of the tournament, showcasing an unmatched two-decade span at the highest level.

Furthermore, Messi is poised to expand on records he already owns or heavily threatens:

Appearances: He already holds the record for the most World Cup matches played with 26 appearances. With the tournament expanding to a 48-team layout featuring 104 matches, a deep run by Argentina would allow him to set a benchmark that may stand for generations.

Goals: Messi has scored 13 World Cup goals so far. He sits just three goals behind Germany's Miroslav Klose, who holds the all-time record of 16. A productive tournament would allow Messi to equal or break this legendary goalscoring record.

Playmaking: Due to his consistent excellence across past editions, he is also in a position to further extend his records for assists, overall minutes played, and total direct goal contributions.

While Messi has not yet officially confirmed his participation, the expanded and highly demanding format presents a major physical challenge. If his fitness allows him to take part, the tournament will provide a prime opportunity to rewrite football history.