Messi Becomes World Cup’s All-Time Top Scorer and Leaves Door Open to 2030

Lionel Messi continues to perform at a remarkable level at World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi is once again bending football’s timeline. At 39, the Argentina icon has reportedly turned World Cup 2026 into another stage for history, scoring five goals in two matches and moving to 18 World Cup goals overall — enough to stand as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

Five goals in two games — and a new World Cup benchmark

According to Vietnamese outlet 24h, Messi celebrated his 39th birthday shortly after producing two elite-level performances: a hat-trick against Algeria followed by a brace against Austria. The run has pushed him beyond expectations and placed him at the front of the Golden Boot race.

The numbers are what make the story feel surreal. With 18 goals at the World Cup, Messi has reportedly become the competition’s most prolific scorer, adding another record to a career already packed with trophies, milestones and unforgettable tournament moments.

Messi and Ronaldo continue to be linked by remarkable World Cup records — Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain connected by unusual World Cup milestones. Image: 24h.com.vn.

Could World Cup 2030 really happen?

Messi has not confirmed that he will try to play at World Cup 2030. But he has not closed the door either. Asked whether he would continue for a few more years, the Inter Miami forward said he would keep going as long as his body allowed him to compete, contribute and help his teammates.

When reporters clarified that the real question was whether fans might see him at the next World Cup, Messi’s answer was careful: he said he does not know, that the idea still feels far away, and that he prefers to live day by day while focusing on the present.

Messi's form continues to defy the normal limits of age in elite football — Messi’s current form has revived the question of how long he can keep playing at the highest level. Image: 24h.com.vn.

A seventh World Cup would be unprecedented

Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa are all associated with six World Cup appearances. If Messi were to reach 2030, he would be chasing a seventh tournament appearance — a mark that would underline his longevity as much as his genius.

There is context for leaving the door open. Messi gave similarly cautious answers when asked years earlier about World Cup 2026, saying at the time that it was too far away to think about. Now, he is not only present at the tournament — he is reportedly leading its scoring charts.

Messi remains central to Argentina's World Cup story as he approaches 40 — Even near 40, Messi remains central to Argentina’s World Cup narrative. Image: 24h.com.vn.

For now, the present is enough

Whether 2030 becomes realistic will depend on form, fitness, motivation and Argentina’s plans after this tournament. But the current message is clear: Messi is still competing, still deciding matches and still forcing football to reconsider what is possible at his age.

Sources checked: 24h.com.vn report on Lionel Messi’s World Cup 2026 scoring record and comments about his future; related 24h.com.vn World Cup coverage.