Lionel Messi has scored 21 goals at the World Cup across six appearances. This article breaks down his goals in each tournament from 2006 to 2026, then separates his World Cup, Argentina and club statistics to prevent incorrect totals.
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Messi has played in six World Cups: debuting in 2006, losing to Germany in the 2014 final, winning the Qatar 2022 tournament and returning to the 2026 final. Here is the complete journey, along with the limits of calling it his “last World Cup.”
Ronaldo currently leads Messi in the race to reach 1,000 goals, but Messi remains superior in assists and creative efficiency. The data table below helps you clearly see the gap between the two legends.
A comparison of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo throughout their careers, from skills and club honors to national-team contributions and football legacies.