semi final

The best scorer in the history of Argentina at the World Cup

Gabriel Batistuta’s ten goals are a thing of the past, the best scorer in the history of Argentina at the World Cup is now only Lionel Messi. Against Croatia, he scored his 11th goal in his fifth career World Cup. He is tied for sixth place in the rankings of all players. Messi is one shot short of the legendary Pele, five goals short of record holder Miroslav Klose.

The starter with the most games

For almost a quarter of a century, Lothar Matthäus has led the historic ranking of players with the most games at the World Cup. However, the German legend is no longer alone at the helm. In Tuesday’s semi-final of the World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Messi joined her. Both are now number 25 and it is likely that the current Argentine leader will add duel number 26 in Sunday’s final. After all, the whole company of the greatest holders is really interesting, judge for yourself.

Playing at a high level even in old age is always admirable in athletes. More so when they add goals and are the engines of successful teams. Lionel Messi is recently the oldest man to score 5 goals in a World Cup.

Just like the Brazilian Ronaldo

We can boldly continue the list of records of the French PSG’s little offensive wizard. Messi has already scored or assisted in thirteen different World Cup matches, equaling the Brazilian legend and scorer of fifteen World Cup goals, Ronaldo. (Calculated since 1966, when detailed statistics began to be recorded.)

Among the cream that reigns in the playoffs

Still can’t get enough of Messi? The Argentine, with the number 10, completed the five men who have scored in a championship between the round of 16, quarter and semi-finals. Counted since 1986 when the round of 16 was introduced.

Goal and assist for the fourth time

Since 1966 no one has managed to score and assist a teammate simultaneously in four different World Cup matches. Lionel Messi did it three times at the tournament in Qatar.

Many of Messi’s records would not have been possible without goalscoring partners including young Julián Álvarez. He also made history against Croatia. At the age of 22 years and 316 days, he became the youngest player to score twice in a World Cup semi-final or final since Pelé’s feat in 1958. He was then 17 years and 249 days old.

While it’s not a record-breaking feat, we still have to mention Julián Álvarez’s international performance. With the shirt of the senior Argentina national team, he played eighteen duels and scored seven goals. But four of them were at this year’s tournament in Qatar. The young Manchester City striker’s fantastic form in the biggest battles.