Lionel Messi is World Cup multi-records holder, and he is still chasing more ahead of his probably final game for Argentina.
The Argentina’s skipper has been outstanding so far in the 2022 World Cup, scored 5 goals while assisted 3, slightly better than France’s Kylian Mbappe (5 goals, 2 assists).
The World Cup 2022 final could very well decide the Golden Boot winner, as Argentina facing France for the trophy.
Putting those aside, below are the list of other records that Messi is holding and those he is chasing.
World Cup 2022 – Messi records of appearances
The PSG star is one of only six men to have played in five World Cups alongside:
- Antonio Carbajal (Mexico)
- Lothar Matthaus (Germany)
- Rafa Marquez (Mexico)
- Andres Guardado (Mexico)
- and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Germany’s legend Lothar Matthaus and Messi share the record for the most World Cup appearances (25). The lead will be taken by Messi for his last dance with Albiceleste in the 2022 final against France.
La Pulga has made another record of 18 appearances as captain in the World Cup, which is followed by:
- Rafa Marquez (17 for Mexico)
- Diego Maradona (16 for Argentina)
If Messi plays in the 2022 final in Qatar, he will surpass Italy’s great Paolo Maldini with the most minute in World cup history (2,194 vs Maldini 2,217).
World Cup 2022 – Messi records ahead of final- Record of assist
Another record held by Messi is assist with at least one registered in five World Cup.
Pele, Grzegorz Lato, Diego Maradona and David Beckham are the closest challengers to Messi’s record of assist with them setting goals in three editions.
King of football Pele and Messi share the record for most assists in the knock-out phase (6).
Top scorer of the nation
By scoring on penalty against Croatia in the semifinal, Messi is now Argentina’s leading top scorer in the World Cup with 11 goals.
Following Messi is:
- Gabriel Batistuta (10),
- Diego Maradona (8),
- Guillermo Stabile (8),
- Mario Kempes (6) a
- and Gonzalo Higuain (5).
Messi is the only player to score in the World Cup in his teens, 20s and 30s.
Pele missed out on accomplishing the same by four months. Messi scored his first and latest World Cup goals 16 years and 180 days apart. The next biggest span in World Cup history belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo at 16 years and 160 days.
MOTM award, no one came close to Messi
The Player of the Match, first awarded in 2002, has been given to Messi an unequalled 10 times.
His four at Brazil 2014 is a record for one edition he shares with Wesley Sneijder, who received the same at South Africa 2010.
Messi is currently on 16 while Miroslav Klose has played in 17 World Cup victories.
What’s next?
France will meet Argentina at Lusail Stadium, while Morocco face Croatia in a third-place play-off on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium.
Meanwhile, place your bet here as this will show how do you bet on soccer and always win while supporting Argentina and France in the World Cup.
