Lionel Messi has scored 13 goals for Argentina at the FIFA World Cup. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

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

Lionel Messi reached his peak in the 2022 World Cup, lifting the coveted trophy after a 36-year wait for La Albiceleste, as he added the only piece of major silverware missing from his illustrious cabinet.

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Yet, all of Messi’s goals tell a story far greater than mere numbers. From a breakthrough strike as a teenager in 2006, a goalless campaign in 2010, heartbreak in 2014, to the iconic campaign in Qatar to seal a remarkable triumph in 2022.

As Argentina begin its title defence tonight,  Messi, who is just three goals short of the all-time World Cup goalscorer record, may have a chance to add another memorable chapter to his footballing legacy.

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

List of goals scored by Messi in the World Cup

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

Watch: Every Lionel Messi goal at the FIFA World Cup

Goal Type

• Close Range - 3
• Long Range - 3
• Rebound - 2
• Free kick - 1
• Penalty -4

Published on Jun 16, 2026