Lionel Messi continues to expand his impact on World Cup history, not only as a champion in Qatar 2022 but also as the owner of some of the tournament's most important records. According to a study by the Noticias Argentinas agency, thanks to his performance in the final against France, the Argentine captain reached 26 matches played in World Cups, becoming the player with the most appearances in the history of the tournament. This record, certified by Guinness World Records and recognized by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), allowed Messi to surpass a record that had been held for almost three decades by German Lothar Matthäus, who had set the mark at 25 matches. His offensive production, combined with his longevity, positions him as one of the most influential players in the history of the competition. With these records already secured, Messi is firmly installed on a pedestal reserved for the great symbols of the World Cup. In this scenario, he could even become a two-time world champion or, in case of defeat in the decisive match, a two-time runner-up, a feat no Argentine player has yet achieved. In a potential last World Cup, Messi would also have the opportunity to break records related to longevity, such as becoming the oldest Argentine goalscorer in the history of the tournament, as well as increasing his lead as his country's player with the most appearances, minutes, and participations in consecutive editions. If Argentina advances in the tournament, the captain could reach or come very close to that maximum mark. He also has the possibility of achieving an unprecedented milestone: becoming a World Cup finalist for the third time (2014, 2022 and potentially 2026). And, if he decides to continue, he could still keep expanding his legacy. Records Messi could still break at the 2026 World Cup If he decides to play in the next World Cup, Lionel Messi would have the chance to continue expanding his legacy in the United States, Canada and Mexico 2026. The final in Lusail not only gave Messi his long-awaited World Cup but also the absolute lead in the most representative statistic for a footballer on the world's biggest stage. No Argentine scored more than him across the five editions he played (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022). With 13 goals, Messi is behind only Miroslav Klose (16) and Ronaldo Nazario (15). Both Guinness and the AFA highlighted the milestone as one of the most significant achievements of the Rosario native's career. Furthermore, Messi is the Argentine player with the most World Cup appearances of all time, another mark validated by the AFA, and he became the national top scorer in World Cups with 13 goals, according to consolidated records after Qatar 2022. The first possible record would be the most matches in World Cup history: he already leads with 26, but could stretch that figure to over 30 matches, a record that would set the bar at a height almost unattainable for future generations. Another potential goal is to get even closer to the all-time record for goals in World Cups. What he built over nearly two decades not only broke statistics: it redefined the dimension a player can reach on the planet's most important tournament.
