Lionel Messi and the History of World Cup Goals
Lionel Messi made history by becoming the World Cup's top scorer, surpassing Miroslav Klose and Marta. His journey through six World Cups reflects his evolution from young promise to record-breaking player, culminating in Argentina's success.
When Lionel Messi made his debut for Argentina in August 2005, few could have predicted the impressive career he would have. On a hot afternoon in Texas, at the age of 38, he added another record to his name, surpassing Miroslav Klose to become the top scorer in World Cup history. Messi also surpassed the legendary Marta, becoming the absolute top scorer in World Cup finals, in both men's and women's football.
Messi's debut for Argentina was not perfect; at the age of 18, he received a red card just two minutes after coming onto the field against Hungary. Twenty-one years later, he had the chance to break the record in the ninth minute of the game, but missed the penalty. However, it didn't take long for him to show his talent, starting a move and then finishing with a beautiful goal, extending his record to six consecutive World Cup games with goals, following his epic campaign that took Argentina to their third world title.
Messi is playing in his sixth World Cup, a journey that began in Gelsenkirchen in 2006 when he came on as a substitute in a 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro, making history by becoming Argentina's youngest World Cup goalscorer. In 2010, the team, under the command of Diego Maradona, did not perform as well, but Messi stood out by providing assists, although he failed to score in that tournament.
In 2014, in Brazil, Messi had a much greater impact and helped Argentina reach the final, although they lost to Germany. He started the tournament by scoring important goals and, even without scoring in the knockout phase, his contribution was fundamental. After a difficult group stage in 2018, where he needed a hat-trick to guarantee Argentina's qualification, the tournament ended in disappointing fashion for the team.
However, in 2021, Messi and Argentina won the Copa América, breaking a 28-year fast without important titles. This proved to be a turning point as the team was able to qualify for the 2022 World Cup more easily. After a disastrous start against Saudi Arabia, where Messi opened the scoring but Argentina lost, he recovered and played a crucial role in the campaign, taking the team to the final, where, after an epic game against France, they finally became world champions.
At the start of the World Cup, Messi is in great form, showing his hunger and skill, and continues to be the centerpiece of Argentina's success. With five goals in the competition, the Argentine star seems unstoppable. It will be interesting to see how the boy from Rosario says goodbye to the world stage, if this is his last World Cup.
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