Lionel Messi
Inter MiamiCF
Wide Forward
Jun 24, 1987 (39)
Left
5'7"
148 lb
Delivers one assist
Messi assisted once to go with four shots (one on goal), 11 crosses (five accurate) and eight corners in Saturday's 3-1 win over Switzerland.
Analysis: Messi was Argentina's most creative force in Saturday's 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, delivering the ball that Alexis Mac Allister headed home unmarked, then registering four shots (one on target), eleven crosses (five accurate) and six chances created across his 120 minutes. The Inter Miami captain saw his nine-game World Cup scoring streak end but his eight goals remain tied for the tournament lead with Kylian Mbappe, and Argentina face England in the Atlanta semi-final with Messi two wins from a historic back-to-back title.
Goal, assist in historic comeback
Messi scored one goal and assisted once from five shots and six chances created in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Egypt.
Analysis: Messi was the central figure in Monday's 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, missing a first-half penalty saved by Mostafa Shobeir before redeeming himself with the assist for Cristian Romero's header that pulled the score back to 2-1, then thundering the equalizing second goal in off the crossbar to make it 2-2, registering five shots (two on target), twelve crosses (four accurate), six chances created and one tackle across his 90 minutes in the most dramatic individual performance of the tournament. The Inter Miami captain extended his all-time World Cup scoring record to 21 goals and became the first player in history to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout stage appearances, also equalling Miroslav Klose's record for most knockout stage appearances (14). Argentina face Switzerland or Colombia in the quarterfinals.
Scores on nine shots
Messi scored one goal to go with nine shots (six on goal), nine crosses (four accurate) and seven corners in Friday's 3-2 win over Cape Verde.
Analysis: Messi would hit the back of the net first in Friday's contest, with the forward scoring in the 29th minute of the gritty match. That said, the forward would take another eight shots and put six on target, but couldn't find the back of the net again. He now sits at the top of the World Cup Golden Boot standings once again, with seven, one better than Kylian Mbappe.
Reaches 19 World Cup goals
Messi scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-1 win versus Jordan.
Analysis: Messi came off the bench in the second half of Saturday's 3-1 win over Jordan and immediately made his presence felt, curling a free-kick into the bottom corner from range with 10 minutes remaining to make it 3-1 and extend his own all-time World Cup scoring record to 19 goals, also registering two further shots (one on target), three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created across his 30 minutes. The forward now has six goals in three group games at this World Cup and heads into the round of 32 against Cape Verde having scored in a record seven consecutive World Cup matches, a record no player in the history of the competition has ever matched.
Will be substitute against Jordan
Messi will start on the bench to face Jordan on Saturday, according to manager Lionel Scaloni. "Leo will be a substitute tomorrow."
Analysis: Messi will not be in the starting XI for Argentina on Saturday, as the attacker will instead start on the bench. This is only a cautious move to prevent any unnecessary knocks and not due to an injury, preserving him for the knockout stages. He could still see time later in the match to stay fresh or help them pull out a result, although it would likely be smarter to let him rest as they look to make it back-to-back World Cup titles.
Brace against Austria
Messi recorded two goals on seven shots (four on target) to go along with two chances created and two crosses in Monday's 2-0 win over Austria.
Analysis: Messi continues his World Cup brilliance even on the brink of turning 39, as the attacker would bag a 38th and 95th minutes for a brace. This comes despite a missed penalty in the ninth minute and a closely missed free kick to end the contest, nearly earning a hat trick in consecutive matches. He still is the only goal scorer for Argentina at this World Cup with his five thus far, an early leader for the Golden Boot. It is clear his age is not affecting him at all on the World Stage, still looking to be his very best as he tries to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup championships.
Scores hat-trick in WC opener
Messi scored three goals to go with six shots (four on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 3-0 win against Algeria.
Analysis: Messi broke the deadlock for Argentina inside the opening 10 minutes, but his goal was ruled out due to offside. The Inter Miami star, who became the first player to ever appear in six World Cups, would break the deadlock with a long-range shot in the first half before adding two more goals after the break. Messi is now the top scorer of the tournament with three goals, ahead of players such as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, but also tied Miroslav Klose for the record of most goals all-time in World Cup history. Messi is starting the tournament on fire, and when that happens, good things usually come for La Albiceleste.
Converts penalty in friendly
Messi (hamstring) scored a penalty goal in 20 minutes played as a substitute during Tuesday's international friendly against Iceland.
Analysis: Messi finally saw game time with the Argentinian national team after being sidelined since May 24, and he made a quick impact, capitalizing on an easy chance from the penalty spot and delivering the penultimate pass before his side's final goal. The veteran is now set to feature as a winger in his record-breaking sixth World Cup, and he shouldn't need many touches to make a difference, carrying high offensive value throughout the tournament. His inclusion in the initial squad will most likely push Giuliano Simeone to a substitute role.
Set for Nigeria friendly
Messi (hamstring) is expected to see action in Tuesday's friendly against Nigeria as coach Lionel Scaloni looks to have him arrive at the World Cup with match rhythm after resting him against Honduras, according to TyC Sports.
Analysis: Messi traveled with the squad and was on the bench for Saturday's win over Honduras but was unused throughout the full 90 minutes as the coaching staff managed his workload carefully. His expected involvement against Nigeria is an encouraging sign that his hamstring issue is no longer a significant concern, with the priority now shifting from recovery to building match sharpness ahead of Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16. The reigning world champions will be counting on their captain to lead the charge in what would be a historic bid for back-to-back titles, and getting him the necessary minutes before the tournament begins is clearly the next step in his preparation.
Unused from bench
Messi (hamstring) was unused from the bench in Saturday's 2-0 win over Honduras.
Analysis: Messi was on the team sheet Saturday but was not given a chance to feature, as the attacker remained on the sidelines for the full 90. This brings more optimism to his health for the opener after he also returned to full team training, even though he didn't play, as he at least traveled with the team and is likely being used cautiously. That said, he should still be slated to start in their World Cup opener as he looks to make Argentina back-to-back World Cup champions.
Back in team training
Messi (hamstring) was spotted in team training on Monday with the Argentina squad, confirming he should be fit and available for the World Cup, the squad posted.
Analysis: Messi had been confirmed with only muscular fatigue after being forced off in Inter Miami's win over Philadelphia Union, and his return to the training pitch is the clearest sign yet that there is nothing serious to worry about ahead of the tournament. The defending world champions will likely have their captain available for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, with the positive update bringing a huge sigh of relief to a nation that always looks to its iconic number 10 to lead the charge on the biggest stage.
Muscular fatigue only
Messi has been confirmed with only muscular fatigue in his left hamstring after being forced off in the 73rd minute of Sunday's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union, with the diagnosis not considered a serious injury and his availability for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 not in doubt, according to the club.
Analysis: Messi had contributed two assists before the precautionary substitution, and the positive update is a significant relief for both Inter Miami and the Argentine national team. The veteran forward will follow a tailored recovery plan based on his clinical and functional progress, but the nature of the issue as purely muscular fatigue rather than a structural injury ensures the defending world champions will have their captain available for the tournament. That said, if Messi can't start the opener against Algeria, Nico Paz or Giuliano Simeone could step in his spot.
Suffers potential injury Sunday
Messi provided two assists but subbed off due to an apparent discomfort during Sunday's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union, per reporter Franco Panizo.
Analysis: Messi put in yet another impressive playmaking performance, setting up his side's first and third goals, but he finished with an apparent muscular pain in the left leg and didn't want to take any risk, leaving the field in the 73rd minute. This issue is now a concern for the Argentinian national team, with their World Cup opener coming on June 16. The veteran forward will hope to avoid a major problem, but his status will be monitored in the coming days. If Messi is not fit to start in the international tournament, the Albicelestes could use other offensive options such as Nico Paz and Giuliano Simeone.
Scores, assists in win
Messi scored one goal and assisted once from nine shots and two chances created in Sunday's 2-0 victory versus Portland Timbers.
Analysis: Messi scored the opener with his 12th goal in 13 starts in the season to help Miami win at home. He later logged his fifth assist, all of them in his last fourt starts. The forward also led his side in shots as usual.
Brilliant in win
Messi scored two goals and assisted once from six shots and four chances created in Wednesday's 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati.
Analysis: Messi was involved in everything throughout Wednesday's win. He scored twice, he added an assist and he created four chances as well. It was a brilliant performance right from the start for the brilliant midfielder. He was incredible throughout the match and continues to be the best player in MLS.
Scores once, assists twice
Messi scored one goal and assisted twice from five shots and four chances created in Saturday's 4-2 win against Toronto FC.
Analysis: Messi netted his ninth MLS goal of the season and dished out two assists in Saturday's 4-2 road win at Toronto, becoming the fastest player in league history to hit 100 goal contributions in just 64 regular-season matches, blowing past the previous mark of 95 set by Sebastian Giovinco. He threaded a perfect through ball to set up Luis Suarez's 56th minute finish, then got on the scoresheet himself and later picked up another assist on Sergio Reguilon's 73rd minute goal, running the show as Miami's clear difference-maker in a game that was twice interrupted by pitch invaders trying to get close to him. Messi now sits at 59 goals and 41 assists through 64 MLS regular-season appearances, and his nine goals in 11 matches to start 2026 mark his best scoring pace out of the gate since arriving in Miami.
Scores and assists in shock loss
Messi scored one goal and assisted once from five shots and four chances created in Saturday's 4-3 defeat versus Orlando City SC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 78th minute.
Analysis: Messi scored the third and assisted the second goals for Inter Miami as they took a 3-0 lead in 33 minutes. They went on to lose the game 4-3. This brings him to eight goals for this season so far, and this was his first assist of the year. Messi had gone two games with out scoring, despite 16 shots in the two matches and seven chances created. This was the seventh time in eight games that Messi has created three or more chances and was his only assist so far.
Starts on Saturday
Messi registered six shots (three on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus New England Revolution.
Analysis: Messi created four chances and was also involved in the build-up to Berterame's equalizer in the 75th minute. Despite attempting 16 shots and creating seven chances across his last two appearances, Messi has not recorded a goal contribution in that span. He has scored seven goals in nine matches this campaign but is surprisingly yet to register an assist.
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