Lionel Messi continues to redefine football greatness at the FIFA World Cup 2026. At 38 and now 39 during the tournament, the Argentina captain has broken records, inspired dramatic victories, and strengthened his place in the debate over the greatest footballer of all time. From a historic hat-trick in the opening match to another unforgettable knockout-stage performance, Messi has once again become the story of the World Cup.
Where it started: the Algeria hat-trick
Back on June 16, in his 200th international appearance, Messi delivered his first-ever World Cup hat-trick to power Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City, immediately equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 career World Cup goals. At 38 years old, he became the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick at the tournament, and true to form, brushed off the milestone afterward: "It's an honour to be there because of what it means to be there next to Klose," he said, "but at the end of the day, it's just a statistic and nothing more." Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was visibly emotional substituting him off to a standing ovation, telling reporters afterward, "Messi will always be the greatest of all time."
How far he's gone since
Messi has kept adding to his legend as the tournament progressed. He's continued scoring in every Argentina match so far, and by today's Round of 16 clash against Egypt, he'd pushed his tournament tally to eight goals, putting him ahead of
Kylian Mbappé and
Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot, and extending his career World Cup total to 21 goals across six tournaments — comfortably clear of Klose's mark he'd equalled just weeks earlier.
Today's heroics against Egypt
In arguably the most dramatic match of the entire tournament, Messi first saw a penalty saved by Egypt's inspired goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir with Argentina trailing 2-0, before setting up Cristian Romero's goal and then scoring himself in the 83rd minute to level the match, as Argentina completed a stunning stoppage-time comeback to beat
Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarterfinals. Teammate Lautaro Martínez was seen consoling an emotional Messi after the final whistle, reportedly telling him to enjoy what could be his final World Cup run. Messi was 38 years old when he scored his historic hat-trick against Algeria and celebrated his 39th birthday during the tournament, making his performances even more remarkable.
Worth clarifying for accuracy: Messi's 39th birthday actually falls on June 24, not the day after the Algeria hat-trick — he was 38 years old at the time of that match. He has since turned 39 during the tournament and remains, remarkably, still the best player on the pitch at nearly every match he plays.
The GOAT Debate Continues
Every World Cup seems to add another chapter to Lionel Messi's extraordinary career, and the 2026 tournament may be his most remarkable yet. Whether judged by goals, assists, leadership or longevity, his performances continue to strengthen the argument that he is the greatest footballer of all time.
With Argentina still chasing another World Cup title, football fans around the world will be watching closely to see whether Messi can add one more unforgettable achievement to an already legendary career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
At this stage of the tournament, Messi has scored eight goals and leads the Golden Boot race.
How old is Lionel Messi during the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Messi began the tournament at 38 years old and celebrated his 39th birthday during the competition.
Is this Messi's final FIFA World Cup?
Although Messi has not officially confirmed his international retirement, many believe the 2026 tournament could be his final World Cup appearance.
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