Lionel Messi
Player Profile
All-time FIFA World Cup appearances: 34
All-time FIFA World Cup goals: 21
FIFA World Cup 2026 appearances: 8
FIFA World Cup 2026 goals: 8
International appearances: 207
International goals: 125
International debut: 17 August 2005 vs Hungary, Friendly 2005
Club: Inter Miami CF (USA)
*data correct up to the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026
Arguably the greatest footballer of all time is playing in what will surely his sixth and final FIFA World Cup. Having debuted, and scored, at FIFA World Cup 2006 in a 6-0 defeat of Serbia and Montenegro 20 years ago, Messi, the captain of defending champions Argentina, is back again. Now playing his club football at MLS side Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the key man and the superstar that this Argentine team is built around, despite boasting impressive attacking talents such as Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Messi is the only player to have won the Golden Ball on two occasions (2014 and 2022).
Argentina Results
Argentina Squad
