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Editor's note: Follow all World Cup matches liveKANSAS CITY, MO — Lionel Messi became the first man ever to play in six World Cup tournaments, starting for Argentina against Algeria on June 16.Messi, considered one of the greatest soccer players ever, famously won the 2022 World Cup and also participated in the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 competitions.The sixth tournament moves him past a number of Germany and Mexico greats. Lothar Matthäus and Manuel Neuer played in five editions for Germany, with Neuer starting in goal for Germany against Curacao earlier this week to reach his fifth tournament. Mexico midfielders Andres Guardado and Rafa Marquez each played in five, as did El Tri goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal, who suited up from 1950-1966.Portugal attacker Cristiano Ronaldo, long considered Messi's rival for status as best player in the world, is likely to join Messi with an appearance in his sixth World Cup tournament when Portugal begins its 2026 tournament on June 17.Get your Lionel Messi jersey!Messi already held the record for most World Cup match appearances, with the Algeria match his 27th game in the top competition.Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has traveled to six World Cup tournaments but did not see game action in 2006 or 2010 and is yet to get minutes in this year's competition.After the match against Algeria, Messi and Argentina face Austria and Jordan in the group stage and will hope to keep racking up matches by moving into the knockout stage as their title defense continues.Lionel Messi World Cup stats and historyThe GOAT could have walked away from national team duty after winning the country's third title, but has now appeared in a record sixth World Cup tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to join him in that group on June 17. Now blazing a new path with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi turns 39 in June, and Argentina will be favored to go far in the World Cup. Can he manage a few last moments of magic against top-level opposition.Entering the 2026 World Cup, 38-year-old has scored 116 goals in 198 international matches.Argentina 2026 World Cup scheduleJune 16: Argentina vs. Algeria, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MissouriJune 22: Argentina vs. Austria, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TexasJune 27: Argentina vs. Jordan, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TexasStreaming available on Fubo or the Fox One App. Spanish language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock.Watch every World Cup game with FuboWorld Cup standingsExplore live group standings, stats and the updated bracket with USA TODAY Sports here.Full rosters for 2026 World Cup TeamsUSA TODAY's Jordan Mendoza contributed to this reporting
