Lionel Messi has set numerous records at the World Cup, including the most goals, most matches played, most wins, and most Golden Ball awards. It appears that new milestones are always waiting for Messi. In Kathmandu, Messi and the FIFA World Cup have become synonymous. As Messi continues to play in World Cups, he keeps creating new records.
In the 96-year history of the FIFA World Cup, Messi has established various types of records. Currently, at the FIFA World Cup 2026 taking place in North America, Messi is breaking new records with every game. On Monday night at the Dallas Stadium, he scored two goals against Austria, becoming the top scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals. Having equaled the record of 16 goals by Germany’s Miroslav Klose with a hat-trick against Algeria in the group J opener, Messi then surpassed Klose’s record in the following match to set a new individual record.
Making his World Cup debut in 2006 in Germany, Messi has now participated in six World Cups and holds the record for the most goals scored. Every goal Messi scores is now regarded as a record in itself. Against Algeria, he achieved his first World Cup hat-trick. Additionally, Messi is the third player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho, who previously held this record.
Messi has also established the records for most World Cup matches played and most wins by a player. Since debuting at age 19 in the 2006 World Cup, he has played in every World Cup consecutively. After playing two group stage matches in this edition, his total World Cup appearances reached 28. He also holds the record for providing assists in five consecutive World Cups. Moreover, Messi stands alone as the only player to have won the Golden Ball award twice at the World Cup.
