Lionel Messi made history throughout the 2026 World Cup as he built on his legacy as the best player in the sport.
While soccer players typically peak in their 20s, Messi’s best years have come in his 30s, defying age to produce iconic World Cup performances. Messi made history by playing in a sixth World Cup in 2026, as only Cristiano Ronaldo has played in the same number of tournaments.
Messi’s performances in those six tournaments have included a wide range of success, from winning it all to flaming out in the quarterfinal rounds. Overall, Messi’s failures at the biggest stage in the world make his best performances that much more meaningful.
Here’s a ranking of Messi’s six different World Cup performances.
WORLD CUP FINAL HQ: Recap Spain vs. Argentina with minute-by-minute | Player ratings
Ranking Lionel Messi’s World Cup performances
1. Qatar 2022
- Goals: 7
- Assists: 3
- Result: Won World Cup Final vs. France
Messi’s performance in the 2022 World Cup cemented his legacy as the best player in soccer history, as he led Argentina to its first title since 1986. Messi was previously criticized for being underwhelming during major tournaments, but he exploded with seven goals in seven games in Qatar, including a goal in six of those seven contests.
Messi scored twice in the Final vs. France as he and Kylian Mbappe went head-to-head at the game’s biggest stage. Then, Messi opened the penalty kick shootout with a goal, helping Argentina get over the line.
MORE: 2026 World Cup winners and losers
2. North America 2026
- Goals: 8
- Assists: 4
- Result: Lost World Cup Final vs. Spain
Although Messi didn’t successfully defend Argentina’s title, he was the best player in the tournament at 39 years-old. Messi had more goals and assists in this World Cup than any other tournament, and at times it seemed he singlehandedly carried Argentina through the bracket. Individually, this was probably his most dynamic performance
Unfortunately for Messi, Spain’s defense bottled him up in the Final to end his tournament on a sour note, and it’s hard to argue this was better than his title four years prior. Still, Messi’s last two World Cups being his best shows why he is considered the GOAT.
3. Brazil 2014
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 1
- Result: Lost World Cup Final vs. Germany
There was a ton of pressure on Messi entering the 2014 World Cup, as he ascended to arguably the best player in the world since his last appearance in 2010. Therefore, the expectation was that Messi would lead Argentina back to the promised land in the first South American World Cup since 1978.
Messi came out on fire, scoring four goals in three group stage matches as Argentina went undefeated to win its group. However, in four knockout stage matches, Messi was held scoreless while Argentina scored just twice in those contests. Argentina still made it to the Final thanks to strong defense, but lost to Germany as Messi was so disappointed he considered retiring from international soccer.
4. Russia 2018
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 2
- Result: Lost World Cup Quarterfinal vs. France
After coming so close in 2014, pressure mounted on Messi and Argentina in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Especially considering many of soccer’s best-ever players retired in their early 30s, many people believed this would be Messi’s final World Cup appearance.
What followed was perhaps Messi’s most disappointing performance, scoring just once in the group stage vs. Nigeria. Argentina finished second in its group to Croatia, and ran into the dominant France team that ended its tournament early.
MORE: Why Rodri was awarded World Cup Golden Ball over Messi, Mbappe
5. Germany 2006
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 0
- Result: Lost World Cup Quarterfinal vs. Germany
Messi made his World Cup debut when he was just 18 years-old and a phenom for Argentina’s squad. He had already spent a few years playing for Barcelona, but had not yet made an appearance for Argentina in any international competition.
Messi only started once in three matches and played 122 minutes total across those three games, but he did collect his first World Cup goal in the group stage vs. Serbia and Montenegro. Argentina’s played five games in this run, as Messi played in the round of 16 vs. Mexico but never appeared in the quarterfinal loss to Germany.
6. South Africa 2010
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 0
- Result: Lost World Cup Quarterfinal vs. Germany
Despite playing in five matches during the 2010 World Cup, all of which were starts, Messi failed to score a goal for the only time in his World Cup career. Argentina still went undefeated in the group stage, and defeated Mexico in the round of 16, but once again fell to a strong Germany squad.
Messi was just 22 at the time, so the thought was that he’d still have time to make his mark on a World Cup in the future. However, this performance is what added pressure to his future appearances in the tournament.