Lionel Messi just did something no one his age has ever done in World Cup knockout history. At 39 years and 13 days old, he became the oldest player to both score and assist in a knockout-stage match, adding yet another line to what is already the most decorated World Cup resume in the sport’s history.
For crypto markets, the story isn’t just about goals. It’s about what happens to sports-linked digital assets when the most famous athlete on Earth keeps defying biology on the biggest stage imaginable.
The record that shouldn’t exist
The 2026 tournament marks his sixth World Cup appearance, a historic milestone for any male player. His career World Cup stats now stand at 21 goals and 9 assists, leading all-time in both categories. He also holds records for the most World Cup appearances at 31, the most wins at 21, and over 9 consecutive scoring matches in the tournament.
The feat is made more remarkable by the fact that Messi was widely expected to have played his final World Cup in Qatar in 2022, where he lifted the trophy for the first time. Instead, he returned for one more dance in 2026, and the dance keeps getting more spectacular.
