Lionel Messi is leading the 2026 FIFA World Cup in goals, shots per game, big chances created, and key passes per game. At 39 years old. Let that sink in for a moment.
The Argentine magician has scored at least 8 goals in the tournament so far, pushing his all-time World Cup goal tally to 19. That shatters Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16 career World Cup goals.
The numbers behind the spectacle
Messi isn’t just leading the Golden Boot race. He’s running away with it, outpacing Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
His creative output has been equally staggering. Messi has generated plays leading to 20 shots on goal during the tournament, making him the first player since 1966 to achieve such metrics across multiple World Cup editions.
