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Messi's Last Dance? 6th World Cup Begins
17 Jun
Summary
- Lionel Messi starts his sixth World Cup on June 16, 2026.
- He is 38 years old and chasing Miroslav Klose's record.
- Argentina faces Algeria in their opening Group J match.
Lionel Messi is set to compete in his sixth World Cup tournament, commencing with Argentina's opening match against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. At 38 years old, Messi is nearing his 39th birthday, which falls within the group stage, as Argentina competes in Group J. This competition marks a significant milestone as Messi attempts to secure consecutive World Cup titles for his nation.
His illustrious career, originating from FC Barcelona's youth system, has seen him play for Paris Saint-Germain before his recent move to Inter Miami. Messi has appeared in 26 World Cup matches across five previous tournaments, accumulating 13 goals and 8 assists. He is currently three goals shy of Germany's Miroslav Klose, who holds the record for the most World Cup goals with 16.
The oldest players at the 2026 World Cup include Scotland's Craig Gordon at 43, Cristiano Ronaldo at 41, and Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa at 40. Messi's participation continues to draw global attention as he pursues further records and accolades.
