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Lionel Messi becomes oldest outfield player to feature in FIFA World Cup semi-final

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.
Published at :July 16, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Modified at :July 16, 2026 at 2:50 AM
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 07: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

(Courtesy : Getty)

Messi has scored eight goals in the competition so far.

At 39 years and 21 days old, Lionel Messi became the oldest outfield player to ever participate in a FIFA World Cup semifinal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, solidifying his reputation as a legendary figure in international football.

While leading Argentina’s national football team against England in the semi-finals, he accomplished this historic milestone. Despite his senior age, Messi has been one of the tournament’s best players going into the game, leading the competition in goals and leading his country on the largest stage in the world.

Lionel Messi took to the field against England, starting his seventh FIFA World Cup 2026 game, scoring eight goals in the competition so far.

The forward has so far enjoyed a productive World Cup campaign as he hopes to lead the South American giants to consecutive finals.

Lionel Messi sets a new World Cup record

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 07: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 07: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Even at the age of 39, he continued to be their influential player on the pitch and has now set a new record by becoming the outfield player to feature in a FIFA World Cup semi-final at 39 years and 21 days old.

Moreover, the forward has continued to mention that this is going to be his last World Cup, and hopefully, he could end it on a positive note.

As Argentina are one game away from reaching the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they will face Spain, who beat France 2-0 in the semi-final.

How old is Lionel Messi at the FIFA World Cup 2026?

He is now 39 years old.

How many goals has Lionel Messi scored at FIFA World 2026?

He has eight goals so far.

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Rajarshi Shukla
Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.