With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just seven days away, defending champion Argentina is all set to start the title defense as the mega-tournament kicks off on June 11 across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This year, the FIFA World Cup will be played among 48 teams at 16 venues, making it the biggest World Cup in history.
All eyes will once again be on Argentina star Lionel Messi, who guided his side to clinch the FIFA World Cup 2022 title in Qatar. Messi will once again lead the reigning champions in their quest for a fourth world title. Despite turning 39, Messi remains one of the team’s most influential figures and will be expected to play a crucial role in Argentina’s campaign.
The legendary forward will also have the opportunity to break multiple records, as several records are within his reach during the 2026 edition. Let’s dive into this story and find out about the five massive feats Messi can achieve during the World Cup.
Five historic milestones within Lionel Messi’s reach
1. First Argentine player to feature in a record six FIFA World Cups
Lionel Messi will become the first Argentine player to feature in a record six FIFA World Cups when he takes the field for Argentina in the 2026 edition. Messi, who made his World Cup debut in Germany, has represented Argentina in every edition – 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. His participation in 2026 will mark his sixth appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Meanwhile, the Argentine captain will not be alone in chasing the record as Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will also become the first players in history to feature in six FIFA World Cups.
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2. Most goals in FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi has scored a total of 13 goals in 26 World Cup matches played so far. He is also the leading goal-scorer for Argentina and overall the joint fourth-highest goal-scorer. If Messi manages to score at least four goals in this tournament, he will climb to the top spot on the list of most goals in the FIFA World Cup.
3. Player to score goals in five different FIFA World Cups
If Lionel Messi scores at least one goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026, he will become the first South American and only the second player in the world after Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, to score goals in five different FIFA World Cups
4. Most Argentina’s World Cup assist
Lionel Messi can also top the list of Argentina’s World Cup assist during the 2026 tournament. The Argentine captain has registered eight assists in his 26 World Cup appearances between 2006 and 2022. He equaled Diego Maradona’s record for the most assists by an Argentine player in the competition’s history.
A single assist in the upcoming edition would see Messi surpass Maradona and become Argentina’s outright leader in World Cup assists.
5. First player to captain a team to two FIFA World Cup titles
The 39-year-old could also achieve a unique captaincy milestone. Following the 2022 World Cup glory, Messi has the opportunity to become the first player in history to captain a team to two FIFA World Cup titles if Argentina successfully defends their crown in 2026.
Also Read: Five Future Icons to Watch at the FIFA World Cup 2026
