Lionel Messi made history at the start of Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, becoming the first player ever to take part in six World Cups, spanning 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to join him in that category later. The match also marked Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina.
The Argentina captain already held the World Cup record for most matches played, with 27, and he is second all time in assists with nine. He is now fourth in World Cup goals with 14, level with Kylian Mbappe and Gerd Muller, and is only two goals behind Miroslav Klose’s record total. Messi and Ronaldo remain the only players to score in five different World Cups.
Messi also extended a remarkable scoring span, reaching 20 years between his first World Cup goal, scored exactly 20 years ago against Serbia, and his latest. Until now, Ronaldo held that mark with 16 years and 164 days. At 38 years and 357 days, Messi became the second-oldest player ever to appear for Argentina at a World Cup, behind Angel Labruna.
The Inter Miami star has now recorded five World Cup goals from outside the box, matching Rivellino’s all-time record. Across major tournaments for Argentina, he has 28 goals and 25 assists, including 14 goals and eight assists at World Cups. With his goal in this tournament, Messi became the third-oldest scorer in World Cup history. Argentina will face Austria in Dallas on June 22 in its second match of the group stage.
