Against Egypt, Messi could reach an unprecedented milestone in his World Cup career
Lionel Messi will be able to achieve this Tuesday (7), against Egypt, in Atlanta, in the round of 16 of the World Cup, another unprecedented milestone in his career.
If he scores against the Egyptians, Argentina's number 10 will reach five consecutive games scoring goals in the same edition of the World Cup, something that the 39-year-old has never achieved so far in six appearances in the tournament.
His best streaks were in the 2022 World Cup, when he scored goals in succession against Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia and France, and now in 2026, with goals in duels against Algeria, Austria, Jordan and Cape Verde.
In other words, also considering the matches from the last edition, Messi has already scored in eight consecutive World Cup games. But five in the same edition is still a feat not achieved by the star.
Despite the clear concern he offers to his opponents, the Argentine star should not receive individual attention in this Tuesday's duel. At least that's what Egypt's assistant coach, Ibrahim Hassan, said.
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Paredes celebrates Messi's goal against Austria - Disclosure/Argentina
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2 out of 10
Lionel Messi in the game against Austria, for the 2026 World Cup - (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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3 out of 10
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ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates his goal during the first half between Austria and Argentina at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. Messi becomes the FIFA World Cup all time leading goal scorer with 17 goals. (Photo by Elizabeth Kreutz/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) - ISI Photos via Getty Images
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5 out of 10
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera positioned above the field of play.) Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina misses the penalty during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) - Getty Images
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Messi celebrates historic goal against Austria - Reproduction/Instagram - @afaseleccion
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Messi celebrates goal against Austria - Photo: Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
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Messi celebrates goal against Austria - Disclosure/Fifa
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina misses the penalty kick during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images) - Getty Images
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10 out of 10
Messi missed a penalty in Argentina x Austria - Disclosure/Fifa
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"We are not focused on Messi," said Hassan.
"We tell our players to come in and play their game. They may have Messi, but we have Mohamed Salah. We have 26 Messis", he added.
With 7 goals in the current edition of the World Cup, Lionel Messi shares the top score with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
Taking into account all his participation in World Cups, the number 10 has 20 goals and is, to date, the top scorer in the history of the tournament.
Messi broke five world records in victory against Austria
Messi's goals in each World Cup
- 2006: 1 goal
- 2010: did not score
- 2014: 4 goals
- 2018: 1 goal
- 2022: 7 goals
- 2026: 7 goals*
*tournament in progress
Source: CNN