Lionel Messi has broken multiple records at the FIFA World Cup 2026, surpassing Kylian Mbappe and tying Diego Maradona.
The Argentine forward has now scored in 6 consecutive knockout stage matches, a feat no other player has achieved in World Cup history.
Messi’s impressive form has seen him join a select group of players who have scored in their nation’s first 5 games at the World Cup.
Argentina’s come-from-behind victory against Egypt, where Messi scored the winning goal in injury-time, marked the first time a reigning World Cup champion has come back to win from trailing by 2+ goals. This achievement is a testament to Messi’s exceptional skill and experience.
In addition to his goal-scoring exploits, Messi has also provided crucial assists, including one from a corner at the World Cup, a feat he had not achieved before. His 10th-minute assist against an unnamed team is the earliest he has provided an assist at any World Cup.
This development has seen Messi tie with Kylian Mbappe as the only players in the last 60 years with 10+ goal contributions at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez has tied Diego Maradona’s record of 10 goal contributions at the World Cup.
Alvarez’s impressive performance has seen him join a select group of players who have achieved this feat.
Jude Bellingham, however, has fallen behind Pele in the goal-scoring charts, with 6 goals so far in the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has seen a number of records broken, and Messi’s achievements are a significant part of this story.
His ability to adapt and perform under pressure has been a key factor in Argentina’s success so far. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how Messi and his teammates continue to push the boundaries of what is possible at the World Cup.
