KANSAS CITY: Argentine superstar Lionel Messi became the first player in men’s football history to appear in six FIFA World Cup tournaments when he started Argentina’s opening match against Algeria on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old captain, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago, also earned his 200th international cap, further cementing his place among football’s greatest players.
Messi made his World Cup debut as a teenager at the 2006 tournament in Germany and had previously indicated that the 2022 World Cup would be his last. However, after inspiring Argentina to the title in Qatar with seven goals, including two in a memorable final against France, he opted to continue his international career.
His long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo is set to equal the record of six World Cup appearances if he features for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has remained a key figure for both club and country.
He finished as the leading scorer in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and has enjoyed another prolific season with Inter Miami CF, scoring 13 goals in 16 MLS matches this year.
“I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” Messi said recently.
Argentina’s all-time leading scorer is only the third men’s player to reach 200 international appearances, joining Ronaldo and Bader Al-Mutawa in the exclusive club.
Messi’s latest milestone adds another chapter to one of football’s most celebrated careers as he continues to rewrite the record books on the sport’s biggest stage.
