From Germany to Qatar: every goal by Lionel Messi at the World Cup

Few have etched their names into the football history books as much as Lionel Messi. From opening his account as an electric 18-year-old to completing his legacy in Qatar.

Lionel Messi reached his peak at the 2022 World Cup, lifting the coveted trophy after a 36-year wait The Albicelestewhile he added the only large silverware missing from his illustrious cabinet.

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Yet all of Messi’s goals tell a story that is much bigger than mere numbers. From breakthrough as a teenager in 2006, a goalless campaign in 2010, heartbreak in 2014, to the iconic Qatar campaign to seal a remarkable victory in 2022.

As Argentina begins its title defense tonight, Messi, who remains just three goals shy of the all-time World Cup goalscoring record, may get the chance to add another memorable chapter to his footballing legacy.

Here is a list of the 13 goals Messi scored during his World Cup:

List of goals scored by Messi in the World Cup

• versus Serbia and Montenegro – Group stage – June 16, 2006
• versus Bosnia and Herzegovina – Group stage – June 15, 2014
• vs. Iran – Group stage – June 21, 2014
• vs Nigeria – Group stage – June 25, 2014
• vs Nigeria – Group stage – June 25, 2014
• vs Nigeria – Group stage – June 26, 2018
• vs. Saudi Arabia – Group stage – November 22, 2022
• vs. Mexico – Group stage – November 26, 2022
• vs Australia – Round of 16 – December 3, 2022
• versus the Netherlands – Quarter-finals – December 9, 2022
• vs Croatia – Semi-finals – December 13, 2022
• versus France – Final – December 18, 2022
• versus France – Final – December 18, 2022

Watch: Every Lionel Messi goal at the FIFA World Cup

Target type

• Close – 3

• Long distance – 3

• Recoil – 2

• Free kick – 1

• Penalty -4

Published on June 16, 2026