Lionel Messi has played 26 matches across five World Cups, the most in men's football history. If Messi plays in the 2026 World Cup, he will become the first male footballer to play in six different World Cups and could also close in on the record for most goals scored.

Lionel Messi has held nearly every major record in the world of football, but he will have the chance to achieve another historic feat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After winning the Qatar World Cup 2022, it was believed that Messi would retire from international football. He won the trophy, won the Golden Ball, scored a goal in the final, and made Argentina world champions. Despite this, Messi has not retired and now has his sights set on the 2026 World Cup.

How many World Cup matches has Messi played so far?
Messi has played a total of 26 FIFA World Cup matches so far. This is the record for the most World Cup appearances in men's football history. He achieved this feat in the 2022 World Cup finals, breaking the record held by German legend Lothar Matthäus.

Messi's World Cup journey

• Germany 2006

Messi played in his first World Cup in 2006, when he was just 18. He scored against Serbia, but Argentina was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

• South Africa 2010

Argentina's run in the 2010 World Cup also ended in the quarter-finals, losing again to Germany.

• Brazil 2014

This is considered the most emotional World Cup of Messi's career. Argentina reached the final, but lost to Germany in extra time. However, Messi won the Golden Ball.

• Russia 2018

The Russia World Cup was a disappointment for Messi, as Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

• Qatar 2022

Messi made history in Qatar, leading Argentina to world champions and setting a new record with 26 World Cup appearances.

What new history could be made in 2026?
If Messi plays even one match at the 2026 World Cup, he will become the first player in men's football history to play in six different World Cups. Currently, only Formiga and Marta have achieved this feat in women's football.

Goal records are also in focus.
Former Germany striker Miroslav Klose holds the record for most goals in men's World Cup history with 16. Messi currently has 13. If he scores four more goals in 2026, he could also take this record.

Although Messi has not yet officially confirmed his participation in
the 2026 World Cup, he was included in Argentina's 55-man preliminary squad in May 2026. Coach Lionel Scaloni has clearly indicated that the team still has confidence in its captain. Messi has also stated that he is ready to be part of the squad if he is fully fit and match-ready.

Will Argentina be champions again?
Defending champions Argentina are considered strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup. If Messi remains fit and the team makes the long haul, many records in football history could be rewritten.

  PC:Amar Ujala Graphics