Summary

Lionel Messi (Argentina), Forward, 200 caps, 120 international goals, model: 27.8% to score anytime at WC 2026

Odds insightHigh-impact player

Lionel Messi

#10 Forward Inter Miami CF (USA) Argentina

Lionel Messi is a 39-year-old forward for Inter Miami CF (USA) and Argentina. He has earned 200 caps and 120 international goals for Argentina. Our model puts Argentina's title chance at 9% with a 97% shot at clearing the group stage at World Cup 2026. Lionel has collected 131 career honours, making him one of the most decorated players at this tournament.

200 Caps

120 Goals

12 Season goals

7 Assists

8.47 Form rating

Age39Height1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)Weight148 lbsMarket value€14.2M

View next match prediction See Argentina team page

Betting Relevance

Anytime scorer angle High

High shots volume Top 1%

Tournament form In form

100% Independent Model-driven probabilities No manufactured edges

Lionel Messi · the model’s read

Lionel Messi brings 200 caps and 120 international goals for Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, lining up as a forward. At club level they play for Inter Miami CF (USA). That record is the base the model weighs alongside current form and the strength of the group.

The model rates Messi's anytime-goalscoring probability at 27.8% at this tournament — a outside read. That comes from an expected 0.50 goal contributions (xG + xA) over the projected minutes. Like every probability on the site, it is a long-run likelihood, not a guarantee that a goal arrives in any one match.

Lionel Messi: World Cup 2026 Form

How Lionel has rated match-by-match at World Cup 2026.

9.2

Avg rating 3 games · WC 2026

8.4

Last match vs Jordan

Dipping

10.0

vs Algeria

80 min · 3G 0A

9.2

vs Austria

90 min · 2G 0A

8.4

vs Jordan

30 min · 1G 0A

Lionel Messi: Tournament Form vs Career Baseline

Per-90 output at World Cup 2026 (3 games) alongside the career baseline (73 matches on record), so you can read current form against the track record.

World Cup 2026 9.2

Career baseline 8.4

6.75 Shotsper 90 min 5.13

4.05 Shots on targetper 90 min 2.3

2.7 Key passesper 90 min 2.98

1.8 Tacklesper 90 min 0.6

— Interceptionsper 90 min 0.14

3.6 Ball recoveriesper 90 min 2.17

70 Touchesper 90 min 70

At World Cup 2026, Lionel is rating 9.2 — above his 8.4 career baseline.

Argentina Squad

Full squad

Lionel is part of a Argentina squad heading to World Cup 2026 in Group J.

Nicolás Otamendi Defender 1.37 Tackles / 90

Rodrigo de Paul Midfielder 1.69 Key passes / 90

Lautaro Martínez Forward 3.49 Shots / 90

Leandro Paredes Midfielder 1.49 Key passes / 90

Nicolás Tagliafico Defender 1.86 Tackles / 90

Giovani Lo Celso Midfielder 1.9 Key passes / 90

Lionel Messi: Career History

Club career, most recent first.

Paris SG

2021 - 2023

Argentina U23

2008 - 2008

Barcelona

2004 - 2021

Barcelona B

2004 - 2005

Argentina U20

2004 - 2005

Barcelona

2001 - 2004

Newells Old Boys

1994 - 2000

Honours

The major titles and individual awards, grouped by competition.

131 TOTAL HONOURS

BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS

17× FIFA FIFPro World XI 2007, 2008 + 15 more

10× Spanish La Liga 2004-2005, 2005-2006 + 8 more

9× FIFA Ballon d Or 2009, 2010 + 7 more

HONOURS SNAPSHOT

3 League Titles

7 Cup Competitions

4 International

6 Individual Awards

League Titles 3

10× Spanish La Liga
2004-20052005-20062008-2009 +7
2× French Ligue 1
2021-20222022-2023
1× American MLS Supporters Shield
2024

Cup Competitions 7

7× Spanish Copa del Rey
2008-20092011-20122014-2015 +4
4× UEFA Champions League
2005-20062008-20092010-2011 +1
3× FIFA Club World Cup
200920112015
3× UEFA Super Cup
200920112015

+ 3 more competitions

International 4

2× Copa America
20212024
1× FIFA U20 World Cup
2005
1× FIFA World Cup
2022
1× Soccer Olympics Gold
2008

Individual Awards 6

17× FIFA FIFPro World XI
200720082009 +14
9× FIFA Ballon d Or
200920102015 +6
6× European Golden Shoe
2018-20192017-20182016-2017 +3
3× UEFA Best Player in Europe Award
2008-20092010-20112014-2015

+ 2 more competitions

Career Milestones

Key landmarks from Lionel's career.

18 LandmarksTop career moments

4 ClubsAcross top leagues

131 AchievementsMajor honours

FIFA World Cup Dream Team Argentina ·

FIFA World Cup

Selection

FIFA World Cup Player Of The Match Argentina ·

FIFA World Cup

Award

FIFA World Cup All-Time Most Caps Argentina ·

FIFA World Cup

Milestone

Barcelona 700 Official Games Barcelona

Milestone

UEFA Champions League Player Of The Match Paris SG ·

UEFA Champions League

Award

500 Career Goals Barcelona

Record

750 Career Goals Argentina

Record

Copa America Player Of The Match Argentina ·

Copa America

Award

Lionel Messi: Quick Facts

#10Shirt number

39Age

1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)Height

148 lbsWeight

Rosario, ArgentinaBirthplace

Inter Miami CF (USA)Club

Lionel in pictures

Lionel Messi — Illustration — Illustration

Part of the Argentina squad at World Cup 2026

Argentina team page

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Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Lionel Messi play?

Lionel Messi plays as a Forward for Inter Miami CF (USA). At World Cup 2026 they represent Argentina.

How many caps does Lionel Messi have?

Lionel Messi has 200 international caps for Argentina, with 120 international goals.

What trophies has Lionel Messi won?

Lionel Messi has won 131 career honours. Notable titles include FIFA FIFPro World XI (x17), Spanish La Liga (x10), FIFA Ballon d Or (x9).

What is Argentina's chance of winning World Cup 2026?

Our model puts Argentina at 9% to win World Cup 2026 and 97% to advance from the group stage.

Which group is Argentina in at World Cup 2026?

Argentina are in Group J at World Cup 2026, facing Algeria, Austria, Jordan.