Lionel Messi aims for back-to-back World Cups with Argentina
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 5:33 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Lionel Messi, turning 39 soon, leads Argentina in their quest for consecutive World Cups, starting today against Algeria. This tournament marks Messi's final World Cup, raising questions about his status among soccer's greatest players. He previously won the World Cup in 2022 and hopes to build on that legacy. Messi's pursuit of a title is particularly significant against comparisons with Pelé, who remains the only player to win three World Cups.
- •Argentina plays Algeria today in their World Cup opener.
- •Messi has already won one World Cup and aims for a second.
- •This is Messi's last World Cup appearance at age 39.
- •Pelé has won three World Cups, creating a historic comparison with Messi.
- •Messi's longevity in the sport features heavily in GOAT debates.
- 5:33 AMYahoo Sports — 2026 World Cup: Lionel Messi can solidify status as soccer's GOAT with another title
"Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, is looking to make Argentina the first back-to-back World Cup winner since Pelé's Brazil.
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