Lionel Messi at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Argentinian star Lionel Messi continues to make history in the World Cup, achieving a new series of records after scoring against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 of the 2026 tournament.

Messi reached 12 direct goal contributions in World Cup knockout stages, with 6 goals and 6 assists, becoming the record holder in the tournament`s history, surpassing Brazilian legend Pelé and French star Kylian Mbappé, who each have 11 goal contributions.

Additionally, Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score in every possible round of the tournament, having found the net in the group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final, achieving an unprecedented historical feat.

The Argentine captain`s brilliance didn`t stop there, as he also holds the record for the longest consecutive scoring streak in World Cup history, having scored in 8 consecutive matches, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Messi has also strengthened his position in the all-time World Cup top scorers list with 20 goals, two ahead of his closest rival Kylian Mbappé.