Lionel Messi: List of all goals in FIFA World Cup history

Lionel Messi has scored 15 World Cup goals in his career!

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is only two weeks away from its kickoff. Co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, it is set to be the largest edition to date, with a record 48 teams to compete for the prestigious title.

Argentina national football team will be entering the tournament as one of the favourites, with the nation set to defend the championship. With high expectations upon them, Argentina are on track to become only the third nation to win consecutive World Cups.

The side will be led by Lionel Messi, regarded by many as the greatest player to feature in the competition. With the 2026 edition dubbed as his last international tournament, Messi will be aiming to become the all-time top scorer in the World Cup, scoring 15 goals so far.

Lionel Messi: All World Cup Goals

2006 FIFA World Cup – Germany

Goal 1: Argentina 5-0 Montenegro

Lionel Messi scored his first goal for the side on his World Cup debut in the group stages. Coming off the bench, Messi scored from a forward pass by Carlos Tevez, driving it past the Montenegrin goalkeeper. Scoring at the age of 18 years and 357 days, Messi became the all-time youngest goalscorer for Argentina in World Cups and the sixth youngest in the tournament’s history. Assisting in the same game, he became the youngest player to score and assist in the same World Cup game since 1966.

2014 FIFA World Cup – Brazil

Goal 2: Argentina 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

In the group stage fixture, Messi scored his second goal after failing to get on the scorecard during the 2010 edition. Messi executed a one-two play with Higuain at the edge of the final third, dribbling past two defenders to fire a powerful shot to the base of the post. With the goal, Messi ended his personal goal drought at the Maracanã, scoring at the venue for the first time since 2006.

Goal 3: Argentina 1-0 Iran

Messi scored a late winner against Iran, after receiving a pass from Ezequiel Lavezzi on the right flank, cutting inside to unleash a curling shot from 25-yards out to secure all three points. Scoring in the 91st minute, it was Messi’s first World Cup goal in stoppage time.

Goal 4 and 5: Argentina 3-2 Nigeria

Messi scored twice in the final group stage fixture to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory, becoming only the eleventh player to score in all group stage fixtures of a single edition. His first goal came in the 3rd minute, scoring from a rebound after Di Maria’s shot struck the post.

In the final minutes of the first half, Messi converted a beautiful free kick for the side to extend the lead. Positioned roughly outside 25-yards, Messi sends in a curling effort, leaving the Nigerian goalkeeper motionless. Finishing the tournament as runners-up, Messi won four consecutive Man of the Match awards, becoming the first player to achieve the feat, securing him the Golden Ball.

2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia

Goal 6: Argentina 2-1 Nigeria

Messi scored his only goal of the 2018 edition in a crucial fixture to secure Argentina’s automatic qualification for the knockout stages. Éver Banega sent a long pass in search of Messi, who ran and controlled the ball before delivering a powerful right-footed strike to get past the Nigerian goalkeeper.

2022 FIFA World Cup – Qatar

Goal 7: Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

Lionel Messi opened his scoring tally for a historic tournament against Saudi Arabia in their opening group stage fixture. Leandro Paredes was brought down in the box during an early corner in the 10th minute to win a penalty. Messi stepped up to the spot and comfortably converted it, becoming the first Argentinian player to score in four different World Cups.

Goal 8: Argentina 2-0 Mexico

Di Maria sent a low pass across the edge of the box to Messi. He controlled the ball and drove a powerful shot from 25 yards to beat the Mexican goalkeeper. Messi also assisted in the same game, becoming the oldest player in World Cup history to score and assist in the same match, simultaneously holding the youngest and oldest records.

Goal 9: Argentina 2-1 Australia

In his 1000th senior career appearance, Messi scored his 9th World Cup goal to overtake Maradona’s eight tournament goals. Following a short free-kick sequence, Messi swept inside the penalty box, taking a curling shot to get past the defenders, placing the ball in the far corner.

Goal 10: Argentina 2-2 Netherlands

Messi scored as Argentina secured a dramatic win against the Netherlands in penalties to qualify for the semi-finals. Marcos Acuña was tripped inside the box in the 73rd minute to win a penalty for the side. Messi stepped up and converted the opportunity, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. With the goal, Messi equalled Gabriel Batistuta’s national team record of 10 World Cup goals.

Goal 11: Argentina 3-0 Croatia

Messi scored in the 34th minute of the semi-final after Julián Álvarez was brought down during a one-on-one situation, leading to a penalty. Messi scored from the spot, breaking Gabriel Batistuta’s record to become Argentina’s record holder for most World Cup goals. At 35 years, Messi also became the oldest player to score five goals in a single edition of the tournament.

Goal 12 and 13: Argentina 3-3 France

In the most crucial game of the tournament, Messi stepped up, scoring twice in regular time and in the penalty shootout to win the World Cup for his nation after 36 years. Messi opened his tally in the 36th minute, scoring from a penalty after Di Maria was tripped inside the box.

His second goal came during the 108th minute, after pouncing on a rebound from a shot taken by striker Lautaro Martínez, finishing from close range. With the game, Messi became the first-ever player to score in all stages of a single World Cup tournament. His second goal took his overall World Cup goal contributions to 21, surpassing the previous record holder, Pelé (20). Subsequently, he also became the player with the most World Cup appearances (26).

2026 FIFA World Cup – USA, Canada & Mexico

Goal 14 vs Algeria

Messi scored a fantastic long-ranger in Argentina’s opener in the 2026 edition.

Goal 15 vs Algeria

Messi reaches the ball ahead of everyone else. He calmly slots it into the net with his weaker right foot, sending Zidane the wrong way. The finish is effortless, a reminder of his extraordinary composure.

Goal 16 vs Algeria

Algeria’s nightmare. Messi finally scored his first World Cup hat-trick. His shot from outside the box beats every defender in the area and Luca Zidane.

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