Lionel Messi became the first player in men’s football history to appear at six FIFA World Cups and marked the occasion with a stunning goal as Argentina began their title defence against Algeria in a Group J clash in Kansas City on Tuesday.
Argentina vs Algeria, FIFA World Cup 2026: UPDATES
The Argentina captain, making his 200th appearance for the national team, scored in the 17th minute to hand the reigning champions the lead in their tournament opener. Messi’s goal also saw him become both Argentina’s youngest and oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, underlining the extraordinary longevity of a player who continues to perform at the highest level.
After a frantic start in which both teams had goals ruled out, Alexis Mac Allister split the Algerian defence with a perfectly weighted pass. Messi timed his run to perfection before curling a left-footed finish beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane and into the top corner.
The strike added another chapter to Messi’s remarkable World Cup career. It was his 14th goal at the tournament, drawing him level with France forward Kylian Mbappe in third place on the all-time scoring list and leaving him two goals shy of the outright record. It was also the fifth time Messi had scored from outside the penalty area at a World Cup, equalling Brazil great Rivelino for the most such goals by any player since 1966.
It was another landmark moment in a World Cup journey that began in Germany 20 years ago.
Messi made his tournament debut as a 19-year-old in 2006 and scored against Serbia and Montenegro. Four years later, he left South Africa without a goal despite Argentina reaching the quarter-finals under Diego Maradona.
The 2014 World Cup in Brazil brought him agonisingly close to glory. Messi scored four times during the group stage and inspired Argentina to the final, where Germany denied them the title after extra time. Despite the defeat, he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
There was further disappointment in Russia in 2018 as Argentina were eliminated by eventual champions France in the Round of 16, but Messi finally realised his World Cup dream in Qatar four years later. His seven goals, including two in a thrilling final against France, helped Argentina lift the trophy for the first time since 1986 and secure a third world title.
Many expected that triumph to bring the curtain down on his World Cup career. Instead, Messi returned for one more campaign and, in doing so, became the first player in men’s football history to feature at six World Cups. Long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to match the feat when Portugal begin their tournament on Wednesday.
Twenty years after his World Cup debut, Messi remains the focal point of Argentina’s ambitions. On a night of milestones in Kansas City, he once again delivered the moment that mattered most.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
– Ends
