Lionel Messi's World Cup Legacy

No player's World Cup journey has been watched more closely than Messi's across five tournaments.

Early Years

Messi debuted as a substitute in Germany, scoring against Serbia. Argentina lost to Germany in the quarterfinals.

Argentina reached the 2014 final in Brazil but lost to Germany in extra time. Messi won the Golden Ball.

Argentina's chaotic 2018 campaign saw them need a comeback against Nigeria before France eliminated them in Round of 16.

For years critics compared Messi unfavorably to Maradona who won the World Cup as the dominant individual.

Seven goals, three assists, two in the final including one in extra time. Widely called the greatest individual World Cup display.

Argentina's Qatar victory completed Messi's collection and ended the debate for most football observers worldwide.