Lionel Messi Scores in Fifth World Cup, Matches Ronaldo’s Record

Lionel Messi became the second player ever to score in five World Cup tournaments. On Tuesday night, he gave Argentina an early 1-0 lead against Algeria. The match took place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Messi’s presence thrilled the crowd dressed in Argentina’s blue and white.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner found an opening in the Algerian defense and scored against goalkeeper Luca Zidane. This brought Messi’s total to 14 World Cup goals. Previously, an offsides call had disallowed one of his goals.

Messi joins Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players with goals in five World Cups. Ronaldo achieved this feat in 2022 and is set to participate in his sixth World Cup.

Miroslav Klose of Germany holds the record for World Cup goals with 16. Messi is now tied for third place, alongside Kylian Mbappé of France and Gerd Muller of West Germany.

Exactly 20 years have passed since Messi debuted for Argentina against Serbia and Montenegro in the World Cup.

Messi, who is nearing his 39th birthday, faced a minor hamstring issue playing for Inter Miami. However, he showed no issues during a preparatory match against Iceland, where he scored from a penalty in a brief appearance.

Messi’s game against Algeria marked his 200th international match since debuting in 2005 at 18. Only Ronaldo, set to play his 229th match, and Bader al-Mutawa, who played 202 matches by 2002, have more caps.

Excitement for Messi and Argentina swept across Kansas City upon their arrival. On game day, fans wearing Messi’s No. 10 jersey filled the NFL Chiefs’ stadium. A watch party downtown featured a real-life goat wearing the Argentine jersey, accompanied by former NFL quarterback and broadcaster Jameis Winston.

The debate about Messi being the greatest of all time grows quieter with every World Cup goal.