Additionally, the Rosario star also contributed 3 assists, being one of the best for the Albiceleste in this category along with Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, and Julián Álvarez, although he finished far from the absolute leader, who was James Rodríguez (7).
Messi's goals on the road to the 2026 World Cup
- Matchday 1: Argentina 1-0 Ecuador → 1 goal
- Matchday 4: Peru 0-2 Argentina → 2 goals
- Matchday 10: Argentina 6-0 Bolivia → 3 goals
- Matchday 17: Argentina 3-0 Venezuela → 2 goals
Leo's historic journey in the Qualifiers
This was Messi's sixth appearance in a World Cup qualifying campaign. His evolution:
- Germany 2006: 0 goals
- South Africa 2010: 4 goals
- Brazil 2014: 10 goals (one behind Luis Suárez, top scorer)
- Russia 2018: 7 goals
- Qatar 2022: 7 goals
- 2026 World Cup: 8 goals (top scorer of the tournament)
With this new milestone, Messi not only led the National Team to another World Cup, but also added an unprecedented record to his brilliant career.
