Lionel Messi just did something no footballer has ever done. The Argentine forward has now reached the knockout stages in six consecutive FIFA World Cups, spanning from 2006 in Germany to the ongoing 2026 tournament across North America.
Messi’s 2026 campaign has been nothing short of absurd. He became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches on June 28, 2026, a record that somehow feels both inevitable and impossible at the same time.
His individual contributions have been staggering. Among his goals during the group stage was a hat-trick in one match and a free-kick goal against Jordan.
Across his six World Cup appearances, Messi has now accumulated 27 career World Cup matches.
He turned 39 on June 24, 2026, celebrating his birthday mid-tournament.
