Lionel Messi is straight up refusing to age, shattering records left and right, and he is the all-time leading FIFA World Cup goalscorer with a jaw-dropping 21 goals in the tournament. That is not even counting his 123 overall as Argentina’s top scorer, and get this, he is still out there playing in a record sixth World Cup, two decades after his debut. He is the Argentinian captain, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and opponents are absolutely losing sleep over what he is going to do next.
2022 World Cup Final: Clutch and Undeniable
You remember the 2022 World Cup final, right? It was, for many, the greatest ever, and Messi started the madness. His 20th career World Cup goal was a spot-kick, making it 1-0 against France in what felt like just the first chapter of an unbelievable footballing novel. Then, later in that same game, his 17th ranked goal was pure drama in stoppage time. Argentina took a 3-2 lead after Hugo Lloris failed to push away a shot from Lautaro Martinez, and Messi, ever the predator, pounced. The night, as we all know, finished with a penalty shootout and a glorious third World Cup title for Argentina, 36 years after Diego Maradona lifted the trophy.
More 2022 Magic and Unforgettable Penalties
The 2022 tournament was full of Messi moments. His 19th ranked goal came against the Netherlands, where he already had an assist for the opening goal before he made it 2-0 with a beautifully placed shot past Andries Noppert. The Argentina faithful behind the goal went wild, even before the Netherlands staged an entertaining comeback. Then there was his 18th goal, a clutch penalty against Croatia after Julián Álvarez was taken down. Messi absolutely smashed that spot-kick into the top right corner, leaving Dominik Livaković with no chance. And who could forget his 21st ranked goal, a penalty against Saudi Arabia after Leandro Paredes was fouled? Though Saudi Arabia shockingly won that match, it undeniably kicked off Argentina’s historic World Cup-winning campaign.
The 2026 Reign Continues Unabated
Fast forward to 2026, and Leo is still doing GOAT things. His 16th ranked goal against Algeria on June 16, 2026, was vintage Messi. Alexis Mac Allister’s effort was pushed away by Zidane, but not far enough, and Messi, reacting before anyone else, pounced for his second goal of the night. Then, on June 28, 2026, against Jordan, Argentina had already won their group and Messi did not even need to play a full 90 minutes. But he came on in the 60th minute and 20 minutes later, he buried his second free kick at a World Cup, his 19th career goal at the tournament. Sure, the keeper and his wall could have done better, but it was still a great finish!
Messi just keeps stacking up those moments, reminding everyone why he is the GOAT. With more games ahead in this World Cup, you know he is not done adding to that insane 21-goal tally. Opponents better keep those nightlights on, because Leo is coming for more.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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