Argentine legend Lionel Messi is closing in on more records as Argentina prepares for the final two matches of the South American qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
At 38, Messi has featured in 71 CONMEBOL qualifying matches, just one short of Ecuador’s Ivan Hurtado’s record. Argentina, already qualified for the tournament, face Venezuela on September 4 and Ecuador five days later, with Messi expected to feature in at least one match, potentially marking his final appearance in Buenos Aires.
Despite leading Argentina to qualification, Messi has never topped the scoring charts in a single South American qualifying campaign. He currently has 34 goals, the most in the region’s qualifiers, but remains one goal behind Luis Diaz in the ongoing campaign.
Messi, who will turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup, could become the first player to feature in six editions of the tournament, possibly sharing the record with Cristiano Ronaldo if Portugal qualify. Already holding records for most World Cup appearances and matches as captain, he also has a chance to equal Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized Messi’s importance: “He knows the door is open and he’s absolutely vital. We have to let time run its course.”
As Messi continues to break records with Inter Miami and the national team, fans eagerly await his next milestone, with the FIFA World Cup 2026 looming on the horizon.