Lionel Messi's record against Spain ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 final
Messi has had many chances to play for the Spanish national team.
Although a patriotic Argentinian, Lionel Messi’s life and football career have been closely intertwined with Spain, particularly in recent years. As Messi gears up for an ultimate clash against La Roja in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, let us take a look at his record against Spain.
Lionel Messi arrived at Barcelona at the age of 13 and later flourished at La Masia, where the worldwide superstar formed a strong affinity with both the city and the club. Indeed, it was even considered that he would possibly represent La Roja and wear the iconic red jersey.
More than a quarter of a century after arriving in Catalonia, he pursues a second World Cup victory as Argentina’s captain and star, with only European winners Spain standing in his way.
Lionel Messi’s record against Spain
Only three of Messi’s 206 caps have come from games against Spain, albeit he first faced them in the Under-20 World Cup quarter-finals in 2005, scoring the third goal in a 3-1 win.
At the senior level, however, there have been no competitive matches since 1966; therefore, the small wizard has only played a few friendlies against Spain’s national team so far.
Played: 3
Won: 1
Defeat: 2
Drawn: 0
Goals: 2
On October 11, 2006, Lionel Messi earned one of his first starts for Argentina in Murcia against Spain. At the age of 18, he put up a strong effort but did not score before being replaced after 66 minutes as the hosts triumphed 2-1.
Just over three years later, with hero Diego Maradona as his manager, Messi got on the scoresheet with a penalty converted between two Xabi Alonso strikes, but the outcome remained the same.
La Albiceleste startled the new world champions with a comfortable 4-1 victory, with their star player opening the scoring with a wonderful dinked finish and putting them three goals up before halftime.
Injury saved Messi from playing in a humiliating 6-1 loss to Spain in March 2018, and he was even photographed leaving Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano early, but so much has changed for the little maestro since then.
How many times has Lionel Messi faced Spain?
He has faced them three times.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored against Spain?
He has two goals against them
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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.