Messi eyes sixth World Cup in 2026, targeting Klose's goal and win records

Lionel Messi is poised to make history by participating in his sixth World Cup in 2026, a milestone that would place him in an exceptionally exclusive club of footballers. The Argentinian superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, aims to equal the record for World Cup appearances held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa.

Messi's World Cup journey began in 2006, with subsequent appearances in 2010, 2014, 2018, and a triumphant victory in 2022. The 2014 tournament in Brazil marked a significant moment, where he led Argentina to the final, only to be narrowly defeated by Germany. His crowning achievement came in Qatar 2022, where he finally secured the coveted World Cup title for Argentina.

Beyond the sheer number of participations, Messi is also targeting individual records. He has scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in World Cups. He is just three goals shy of Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals and is also in contention to surpass Klose's record of 17 World Cup victories. At 39 years old during the 2026 tournament, this sixth World Cup is widely expected to be Messi's final appearance on the global stage, promising a potentially unforgettable farewell.