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How Many Goals Has Lionel Messi Scored in the World Cup?
Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

How Many Goals Has Lionel Messi Scored in the World Cup?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Chris Licata  |  Last updated Mar 30, 2026 9:21 AM ET
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The love story between Lionel Messi and the FIFA World Cup has now lasted 18 years. It had its first chapter in the Netherlands in 2005, when Argentina won the Under-20 World Cup title, and Messi won the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot.

The last chapter written, for now, also has a happy ending. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was a dream for Messi, who lifted Argentina's third star and was also named the best player of the tournament.

There are many statistics that describe Messi's relationship with the sport's premier competition. But nothing beats admiring his magic.

In 2026, Messi will be one of six men to have played in five World Cups, alongside Antonio Carbajal, Lothar Matthaus, Rafael Marquez, Guillermo Ochoa, Andres Guardado, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He has played 26 matches at the senior level. More than anyone else. To that, you must add the seven from the 2005 Under-20 World Cup.

Messi is the only player to have recorded at least one assist in five senior World Cups. In the Netherlands in 2005, he also provided two assists.

He is also the only player to have scored in the World Cup as a teenager (under 20), in his 20s, and in his 30s. In 2005, in the Netherlands, he turned 18 during the tournament.

In the World Cup, Messi scored 13 goals and is his country's all-time leading scorer. Entering the 2026 tournament, he's tied for fourth on the all-time list of World Cup goal scorers, three behind the leader, Germany's Miroslav Klose (16).

Every Lionel Messi World Cup Goal

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the World Cup Trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final.Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

FIFA Under-20 World Cup 2005

  1. Egypt (group stage) — 2-1
  2. Colombia (round of 16) — 2-1
  3. Spain (quarterfinals) — 3-1
  4. Spain (quarterfinals) — 3-1
  5. Brazil (semifinals) — 2-1
  6. Nigeria (final) — 2-1
  7. Nigeria (final) — 2-1

Senior World Cup

  1. Serbia and Montenegro (Germany 2006; group stage) — 6-0
  2. Bosnia (Brazil 2014; group stage) — 2-1
  3. Iran (Brazil 2014; group stage) — 1-0
  4. Nigeria (Brazil 2014; group stage) — 3-2
  5. Nigeria (Brazil 2014; group stage) — 3-2
  6. Nigeria (Russia 2018; group stage) — 2-1
  7. Saudi Arabia (Qatar 2022; group stage) — 1-2
  8. Mexico (Qatar 2022; group stage) — 2-1
  9. Australia (Qatar 2022; round of 16) — 2-1
  10. Netherlands (Qatar 2022; quarterfinals) — 2-2 (4-2)
  11. Croatia (Qatar 2022; semifinals) — 3-0
  12. France (Qatar 2022; final) — 3-3 (4-2)
  13. France (Qatar 2022; final) — 3-3 (4-2)

Argentina's Schedule for the 2026 World Cup

In the draw on Dec. 5, 2025, Argentina learned its rivals and its path in the 2026 World Cup:

Austria: The Austrian side returns to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. The 2026 edition will be its eighth World Cup, and its best campaign was in 1954, when it finished third.

Algeria: The North African team will play in its fifth World Cup. Its best performance was in Brazil in 2014, when it was eliminated in the round of 16 by Germany.

Jordan: It will be another debutant in the 2026 World Cup. It secured direct qualification in Asia.

Here are the first scheduled games for Messi and company:

  • Tuesday, June 16 vs. Algeria (Kansas City Stadium)
  • Monday, June 22 vs. Austria (Dallas Stadium)
  • Saturday, June 27 vs. Jordan (Dallas Stadium)

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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