Washington DC [US], July 15: Lionel Messi will look to write the latest chapter of his spectacular World Cup story against England in Atlanta on Wednesday. Here's a look at Messi's contributions on the game's greatest stage.
Title encore?
Messi led Argentina to the 2022 title in Qatar, scoring seven goals including two in the final before they beat France on penalties.
That triumph appeared to be inspired at least in part by the squad's desire to win a title before Messi's retirement - but not only is he back almost four years on, he is once again leading from the front.
The 39-year-old already has eight goals in this summer's tournament, level with France's Kylian Mbappe as top scorer, and is eyeing a title double before surely taking his final bow.
Individual honours
The World Cup Golden Boot is one of the few things still missing from Messi's personal trophy cabinet after he was pipped by Mbappe last time out - the France striker scoring a hat-trick in the final in what was ultimately a losing cause.
The same two players are leading the chase this time around, with Mbappe again having the edge on the tie-breakers of assists and fewest minutes played.
England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also in close attendance on six goals apiece, with nearest challenger Erling Haaland now eliminated.
Messi is a two-time winner of the Golden Ball, awarded to the player of the tournament, and this summer has added a pair of all-time records to his collection - though Mbappe is only one behind his tally of 21 World Cup goals and seems sure to become the long-term holder of that honour.
The pair have surged past Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 this summer, with Kane also quickly climbing the ranks with 14.
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also became the first men to play in six World Cups and have both gone past Lothar Matthaus' mark of 25 matches - Messi is set for his 33rd World Cup appearance on Wednesday to move six clear of Ronaldo.
Goals record - and his
one weakness?
Messi scored once at his debut World Cup in 2006 and not at all in the 2010 tournament, but made his mark with four goals in the 2014 event hosted by Argentina's fierce rivals Brazil.
He scored once in 2018 before his remarkable efforts in 2022 when, aged 35, he scored more goals in that one World Cup than his previous four combined. He has already gone one better this summer.
The 2022 total was boosted by four penalties - but he missed another and that issue has again reared its head in North America.
Messi put a spot-kick wide in Argentina's group-stage win over Austria and had another saved by Egypt keeper Mostafa Shobeir in the last 16, meaning he has now scored only four of eight World Cup penalties excluding shootouts. He has succeeded in all three of his World Cup shootouts, against the Netherlands in both 2014 and 2022 and France in the latter final.
A 19-year-old Messi was an unused substitute when Argentina lost on penalties to Germany in 2006
Source: Qatar Tribune
