World football is preparing to witness a historic chapter in the career of Lionel Andres Messi. The Argentine star, considered one of the best footballers of all time, plans to play his sixth World Cup in 2026. a feat that would place him in an extremely select group.
Messi would equal the record of World Cup participations they share Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoawho have also reached or are on track to reach six World Cups.
Currently, these footballers are part of the elite of players with five World Cup appearances, an achievement reserved for very few in history.
Messi’s history in the World Cup began in Germany 2006, where, being very young, he left flashes of his talent, although Argentina was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Four years later, in South Africa 2010history repeated itself with an elimination in the same instance.
The World Cup Brazil 2014 marked a turning point in his career. As leader of the Argentine national team, Messi led the team to the final, where he came close to achieving glorybut Germany won the decisive match.
In Russia 2018, Argentina once again fell short of its aspirations by falling in the round of 16. However, destiny had his greatest moment in store for him: in Qatar 2022, the Argentine became world championwon the title that had eluded him so much and guided the Albiceleste towards its third star.
Records within reach
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Messi will not only seek to become one of the few players with six World Cup appearances, but will also have important individual records in his sights.
The Argentine captain accumulates 13 goals and eight assists in World Cups, figures that place him among the top protagonists in the history of the tournament.
In addition, he is three goals away from reaching, and even surpassing, the German Miroslav Klose, top scorer in World Cup history, with 16 goals.
Klose also holds the record for most victories in World Cups, with 17 wins, a mark that Messi could also surpass where he is one victory away from equaling the German.
The last function
Everything indicates that the 2026 World Cup will be Messi’s last participation in this tournament. At 39 years old, the Argentine will seek to close his World Cup career with the experience, leadership and quality that have made him a soccer legend.
Beyond the records, its presence in the tournament represents global appeal. Messi not only competes against his rivals, but also against history, with the possibility of expanding a legacy that seems to have no end.
The world of football awaits expectantly. Lionel Messi’s last dance at a World Cup could be, once again, an unforgettable spectacle.
Five World Cups. Twenty years. An unrepeatable story. 🐐🇦🇷
From Germany 2006 to 2026: Lionel Messi continues to make history.#Messi #LionelMessi #World2026 #Argentina #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/St4IJWPzfv
—Hi! Sports TV (@HiSportsTV) June 3, 2026