Lionel Messi leads Argentina with record World Cup goals at age 39

At 39, Lionel Messi has become the all‑time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, reaching 21 tournament goals and tying France’s Kylian Mbappé with eight goals in the 2026 edition. He helped Argentina overturn a 2‑0 deficit to beat Egypt 3‑2 in the round of 16, providing a goal and an assist. Coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi’s physical condition is “a machine” and that he will remain the world’s best player as long as he chooses to play. The Argentine captain is also playing in a record sixth World Cup, a milestone only matched by a handful of players. Off the pitch, a journalist presented Messi with a rosary blessed at the Vatican after Argentina’s 3‑2 win over Cape Verde, a moment that went viral. Messi’s longevity is credited to disciplined nutrition, regular fitness work and a strict diet that excludes soda and pizza. Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter‑finals in Kansas City, USA.