In a landmark moment for global football that took place Tuesday in Kansas City, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi etched his name into the record books once again. The 38-year-old captain became the first male footballer in history to start a match at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, hitting another historic milestone just days ahead of the 2026 edition co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. This starting appearance against Algeria in Argentina’s opening warm-up fixture also marked Messi’s 200th international cap for his country, an achievement only two other male players have ever reached.
Messi, who led Argentina to a dramatic World Cup title win in Qatar 2022, originally announced that tournament would be his final shot at global glory. At that edition, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered one of the most iconic tournament runs in modern football, netting seven times overall including two goals in a thrilling, high-stakes final against France that secured Argentina’s third world championship. But in a turn of events that delighted fans across the globe, the Inter Miami forward reversed his decision to retire from international World Cup competition, and went on to finish as the top goal scorer during South American qualifying for the 2026 tournament.
Messi’s historic milestone puts him one step ahead of his long-time career rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who will equal the six-World-Cup record if he takes the pitch for Portugal in their warm-up match against DR Congo on Wednesday. Only two other male players have hit the 200-cap mark for their countries: Ronaldo himself and Kuwaiti footballer Bader Al-Mutawa, putting Messi in extremely rare company.
The Argentine legend has shown no signs of slowing down in club play, either. Since joining Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, he has maintained a blistering scoring pace, notching 13 goals in just 16 league appearances in the 2026 season. In recent comments, Messi made clear his passion for the game remains undimmed, saying he intends to keep playing professionally for as long as he is physically able.
Making his World Cup debut all the way back in 2006 as a teenaged prospect at the Germany tournament, Messi’s journey to six World Cups spans two decades of elite-level competition, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest players to ever step onto the pitch.