At 39, Lionel Messi remains Argentina’s leading figure and a standout performer at the 2026 World Cup. In three appearances, he has netted six goals, placing him atop the tournament’s scoring chart. Consequently, he has broken Cristiano Ronaldo’s record by scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches — a first in tournament history.
Lionel Messi became the inaugural player to find the net in seven straight World Cup games, a run that began in the 2022 Round of 16 and continued through Argentina’s most recent 2026 group‑stage match against Jordan. This achievement not only eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo’s record but also surpassed the previous joint mark held by Jairzinho and Just Fontaine, who each managed six consecutive scoring matches.
While Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever, his finest World Cup scoring streak comprised just three consecutive matches (2014‑2018). Given that this is likely his final tournament, matching Messi’s unprecedented seven‑game run would require Portugal to reach the final and for Ronaldo to score in every remaining game — a scenario that would cap his streak at four consecutive goals.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina scores his team’s third goal from a free kick.
Messi joins Pelé and three legends as World Cup free-kick scorers list
Lionel Messi has joined Pelé, Rivelino, Bruno Genghini, and David Beckham as the only players to ever score two or more free-kick goals in the World Cup, according to MisterChip, a well‑known statistician in soccer. With a couple more games ahead, the 39‑year‑old star could become the undisputed leader in this ranking if he scores more free‑kick goals in the 2026 World Cup.
