Messi set to surpass Ronaldo with sixth World Cup appearance while chasing Klose's goals record

Lionel Messi will make history at the 2026 World Cup as the first footballer to appear at six editions of the tournament, leading Argentina into their Group J opener against Algeria in Kansas City — and doing so just hours before arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo reaches the same milestone.

The Inter Miami forward, who turns 39 next week, had hinted after Argentina’s triumph in Qatar in 2022 that a sixth World Cup would be difficult to contemplate given the years that would need to pass. But Messi says his desire to compete at the highest level has not faded.

“There had been doubts because of what I said at the previous World Cup,” Messi said. “That I thought it would be difficult for me to play in another one, because so many years had to pass. But I kept feeling good and taking things day by day. I had the opportunity to play, get into rhythm, get minutes on the pitch and gradually feel better. It happened naturally. I’m happy, enjoying every moment and now I’m also as excited as ever.”

Beyond the appearance record, Messi arrives in the United States with two further landmarks in his sights. He stands three goals short of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16, a mark that has stood since the German striker retired following the 2014 tournament. The match against Algeria will also mark Messi’s 200th international appearance for Argentina, adding another personal milestone to a career that has already accumulated more than most players could dream of.

Messi’s World Cup journey spans two decades and has been defined by painful near-misses — including final defeats in 2014 — before the cathartic triumph in Doha four years ago finally delivered the one trophy that had eluded him. That victory was widely seen as the closing chapter of his international story. Instead, it appears to have been the catalyst for one more chapter.

At 38, Messi heads into what is almost certainly his final World Cup not as a sentimental farewell act, but as a genuine contender chasing records and, with Argentina, another title.