Lionel Messi sets multiple records as World Cup 2026 begins
Messi became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches, marked his 200th appearance for Argentina and joined a small group of players with 200 international caps during the tournament opener.
Lionel Messi became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches, according to Premium Times. In the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria, Messi marked his 200th appearance for Argentina, reported Times of India, which also noted that he became only the third men’s player to reach 200 international caps and extended his record as the most‑capped World Cup player.
Messi has scored 13 goals in five World Cup appearances, Hindustan Times reported, and the 2026 tournament is his sixth World Cup, the same outlet added. He and Kylian Mbappé have a chance to break Miroslav Klose's record as the all‑time top goalscorer in World Cups, Hindustan Times said, and Klose expects his record to be broken in the 2026 World Cup, also reported by Hindustan Times.
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