Lionel Messi Sets Multiple World Cup Records Ahead of Final

At 39 years old, Lionel Messi continues to break World Cup records as he leads Argentina to their third final appearance. In the recent quarterfinal against Switzerland and semifinal against England, Messi not only secured his place in the final but also extended his historic achievements beyond any other player in World Cup history.

Messi holds the record for the most World Cup goals with 21, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose by five goals. He achieved this milestone during the group stage win over Austria and added more goals against Jordan, Cape Verde, and Egypt. He is also one of only three players to have participated in six World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026), alongside Guillermo Ochoa and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Additionally, Messi has played the most World Cup matches (31) and minutes (2,724) in tournament history, records he will extend in the final. He is the all-time leader in World Cup assists with 12, having surpassed Fritz Walter after providing two assists in the semifinal against England.

Messi has reached three World Cup finals, tying Brazil's Cafu for the most appearances, and has played in six quarterfinals, more than any other player. He is the first player to score in every stage of the World Cup, from group matches to the final, thanks to the new tournament format.

Before the round of 16, Messi had already recorded 19 World Cup wins, the highest ever, and now has 23 victories. If he wins the Golden Ball award in the final against Spain, it will be his third time receiving the honor, making him the only player to win it thrice, having previously won in 2014 and 2022.

Messi has also been named Man of the Match 16 times in World Cup games, far ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's nine. His current streak of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches, starting from the round of 16 in Qatar, surpasses the previous record of six consecutive scoring games held by Just Fontaine and Jairzinho.

Summary: Lionel Messi, at 39, continues to set unprecedented World Cup records, including most goals, assists, appearances, and minutes played, as he leads Argentina to the final and aims for a third Golden Ball award.

Points: - Messi holds the record for most World Cup goals with 21, five ahead of Miroslav Klose. - He has played the most World Cup matches (31) and minutes (2,724) in history. - Messi leads all players with 12 World Cup assists, surpassing Fritz Walter. - He has reached three World Cup finals and six quarterfinals, both records. - Messi is the first to score in every World Cup stage under the new format. - He aims to become the first player to win three World Cup Golden Ball awards.

Topic: sports

Entities: {"people": ["Lionel Messi", "Miroslav Klose", "Guillermo Ochoa", "Cristiano Ronaldo", "Fritz Walter", "Cafu", "Just Fontaine", "Jairzinho"], "organizations": [], "places": ["Argentina", "Switzerland", "England", "Austria", "Jordan", "Cape Verde", "Egypt", "Spain", "Qatar"]}