Lionel Messi
Player Profile
International appearances: 199
International goals: 117
International debut: 17 August 2005 vs Hungary, Friendly 2005
Club: Inter Miami CF (USA)
*data correct up to and including 10 June 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 Fixtures
Argentina Results
Argentina Squad
