Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer and captain of the national team, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he set new all-time records for goals and assists while leading Argentina to the final.
Lionel Messi concluded his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign as the most statistically dominant player in the tournament's history. Serving as captain for the defending champions, Messi's performance in North America was defined by a series of record-breaking milestones. He began the tournament by tying the all-time scoring record with a hat-trick against Algeria and subsequently surpassed it during a 2-0 victory over Austria, reaching a career total of 18 World Cup goals. Beyond scoring, Messi also became the all-time leader in World Cup assists during a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win against Egypt in the round of 16. Throughout the knockout stages, Messi remained the central pillar of the Argentine side, demonstrating resilience after early-tournament fitness concerns. Despite his individual brilliance and leading the team to the final on Monday, July 20, 2026, Argentina was defeated 1-0 by Spain in extra time. This match is widely considered to be Messi's final appearance on the world stage, marking the end of an era for international football. For the Israeli public, Messi remains a figure of immense interest, with his career milestones frequently headlining local sports coverage and his global influence serving as a touchstone for excellence in professional athletics.