Almost everyone associated with soccer is familiar with Lionel Messi’s magic. The former Barcelona star had a great World Cup campaign in Qatar last year, helping his side win the trophy for the first time since 1986, when his late compatriot Diego Maradona led his country to victory.
Messi’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup etched his name in the history books, but the Inter Miami maestro also reached a milestone in his career that many may have missed. In his 1,000th career game, Lionel Messi scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal in the Round of 16 game against Australia.
When Lionel Messi scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal
It’s hard to believe that the man who had won seven Ballon d’Or awards prior to last year’s World Cup in Qatar only got his first World Cup knockout goal in the tournament that was held in the Middle East.
Lionel Messi started his World Cup career in 2006, when he represented Argentina as a 19-year-old in the edition that Italy won after a dramatic final. Having established himself as one of the best players in the world very early in his career, it took Messi five World Cup editions to score his first knockout goal, a feat that is incredibly hard to believe, considering the Argentine’s other career achievements.
The goal came against Australia in the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Argentina had one of the easiest draws of the round, but it was still a difficult match as Australia gave Messi and Co. a run for their money. Then, a PSG player, Messi, received a pass from Nicolas Otamendi to score his team’s first goal of the game in the 35th minute.
City’s youngster Julian Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead in the 57th minute, and even a late own goal by Enzo Fernandez couldn’t help Australia get anything from the match as it only proved to be a consolation.
Lionel Messi opens up on playing 2026 FIFA World Cup
Having triumphed with his country at the last World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Messi has opened up about the possibility of appearing in the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
The former PSG star joined Inter Miami in the MLS last summer, setting the league on fire by scoring 11 goals in his first 14 games for the club, although most of those goals came in the Leagues Cup.
Messi lost his MLS season due to an injury he sustained while playing for Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match, but he has stated that he will continue to play for his nation as long as he feels good.
“As long as I feel good and I can continue to deliver, I’m going to continue playing with Argentina. All I’m thinking about today is getting to the Copa America and being able to play in it,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed.
When asked about his 2026 World Cup aspirations, Lionel Messi admitted that while his age may not allow him to compete at the highest level, he’d still be ready regardless.
“Then time will tell whether I’ll be at the World Cup or not. I’m going to be at an age that normally doesn’t allow me to play in the World Cup,” Messi said.
Messi, who controversially called the MLS a ‘minor league’, will be 39 by the time the 2026 World Cup begins, but who’s better to defy the age logic than Lionel Messi?
Can Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
