How old is Lionel Messi? Soccer superstar makes sixth World Cup appearance
Victoria HernandezLionel Messi plays in his first match of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, June 16 when Argentina takes on Algeria in Group J play at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
This will be Messi's sixth World Cup tournament. He and Argentina won the 2022 outing, a feat that established him in the greatest of all time conversation.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner came up through the FC Barcelona system and established his name as one of the world's best players. He shocked the world when he left for Paris Saint-Germain and then made another groundbreaking move when he signed with David Beckham's MLS club, Inter Miami, where he plays today.
The world is watching as Messi attempts a feat that very few have accomplished: winning back-to-back World Cups.
How old is Lionel Messi?
Messi is 38 years and 357 days old on Tuesday, June 16 as Argentina prepares to take on Algeria for its first match of the 2026 World Cup. He will turn 39 during the group stage of the tournament because his birthday is June 24. That day, Argentina will be off, between their second and third Group J matches.
What are Lionel Messi's World Cup stats?
Messi has appeared in 26 World Cup matches across five tournaments for Argentina. The 2026 competition will be his sixth. He has 13 goals and 8 assists.
He is three goals away from Germany's Miroslav Klose for most goals in World Cup history (16).
What is Lionel Messi and Argentina's World Cup schedule?
Messi and Argentina play in Group J. Here are their three group stage fixtures:
- June 16 - Argentina vs. Algeria - Kansas City, 9 p.m. ET - Fox
- June 22 - Argentina vs. Austria - Dallas Area, 1 p.m. ET - Fox
- June 27 - Jordan vs. Argentina - Dallas Area, 10 p.m. ET - Fox
Who is the oldest player at the 2026 World Cup?
Craig Gordon, a goalkeeper for Scotland, is the oldest player at the 2026 World Cup at 43 years old.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the second oldest player at 41 years old.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is the third oldest at 40.