Lionel Messi made history by becoming the first male footballer to participate in six World Cup tournaments, starting for Argentina in their opening match against Algeria in Kansas City on Mardi. The 38-year-old captain, who led his national team to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, also celebrated his 200th international appearance during the game.
Messi’s longstanding rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo adds another layer of intrigue to the competition, as Ronaldo is set to match Messi’s record of six World Cup appearances if he takes the field for Portugal against DR Congo on Mercredi.
Having debuted in the World Cup as a teenager in 2006 in Germany, Messi initially declared the 2022 tournament would be his last. At the Qatar World Cup, he delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring seven goals and playing a decisive role in the thrilling final against France that secured Argentina’s third World Cup title.
Continuing a Remarkable Career
Despite previous announcements of retirement from international football, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reversed his decision and remained a crucial figure for Argentina. Demonstrating his enduring quality, Messi emerged as the top scorer during South American qualification for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi has maintained impressive form, netting 13 goals in just 16 matches this season. Reflecting on his career, the former Barcelona star recently stated, “I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” underscoring his passion for the game.
By reaching 200 international caps, Messi has joined an exclusive group of players, becoming only the third man to achieve this milestone alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa. His contributions continue to solidify his legacy as Argentina’s all-time top scorer and one of football’s greatest icons.