Inter Miami star Lionel Messi continues to dominate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the statistics prove just how extraordinary his tournament has been.
With his performances at this World Cup, the Argentine has shattered numerous records, ensuring that his name will be forever etched in football history.
Before the tournament began, Miroslav Klose held the record as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 16 goals. However, Messi has now surpassed that milestone, taking his tally to 21 goals—a figure that could still increase, with Argentina having reached the quarter-finals.
He has also overtaken the legendary Diego Maradona for the most World Cup assists by an Argentine, recording nine assists—one more than the late football icon.
Among his many achievements, Messi has now scored in nine consecutive World Cup matches, surpassing legends such as Just Fontaine and Jairzinho, who each scored in six straight games.
The 39-year-old has also found the net in six consecutive knockout-stage matches, breaking the record previously held by Brazilian legend Leonidas da Silva “Vavá,” who had scored in five.
To cap it all off, Lionel Messi has once again broken his own record for the most World Cup appearances. Having previously made 26 appearances, he has now reached 31, with the possibility of adding even more, provided he remains injury-free.
Meanwhile, Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
