World Footballer Lionel Messi (38) Makes History at World Cup

Messi made his debut on the world stage at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Even then, as a very young forward, he was considered the greatest talent of his generation. What followed was an unprecedented series of appearances: South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and finally, the absolute pinnacle in Qatar in 2022.

For years, that one elusive trophy was missing from his impressive list of accolades, but that finally changed three years ago. Messi played a pivotal role at the World Cup in Qatar, guiding Argentina to the world title. The final against France became one of the most spectacular ever. After a frantic match, penalties were needed to decide the winner, and Argentina ultimately prevailed.

That tournament also became unforgettable for Dutch fans. The Oranje met Argentina in a heated quarter-final filled with emotion, skirmishes, and tension until the very last second. The Netherlands forced a penalty shootout through a late comeback, but Messi's Argentina ultimately proved too strong. This year, the 38-year-old Argentine from Inter Miami is aiming for a repeat of the 2022 World Cup.

With his sixth World Cup appearance, Messi achieves a unique feat. Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa can still follow suit, as they are also part of their national squads. However, there's a crucial difference: Ochoa did not play in his first two World Cups. Messi therefore becomes the first player ever to actually play in six consecutive final tournaments, with Ronaldo set to follow soon.

As if that weren't enough, another colossal record beckons for the Argentine. Messi currently stands at thirteen World Cup goals and is chasing Miroslav Klose's record. The German striker scored sixteen goals in World Cups. Messi therefore needs four more goals to draw level.

However, the superstar also needs to look over his shoulder. Kylian Mbappé is breathing down his neck. The French star, eleven years Messi's junior, already has fourteen World Cup goals after just three tournaments. This suggests Klose's record could be seriously challenged in the coming years.

Argentina kicked off their World Cup campaign on June 17th with a match against Algeria. For Messi, it is expected to be his very last dance on the biggest stage of all.

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