An ode to the GOAT: Lionel Messi’s World Cups by the numbers

The GIST: Argentinian captain Lionel Messi likely played his final WC game yesterday, and while the greatest men’s soccer player of all time hasn’t officially retired from the international scene yet, we’re commemorating the 39-year-old’s incredible career with a look at his WC appearances, by the numbers.

😱 3: Messi is the first man to start in three WC finals, and is officially the oldest outfield player (aka, not a goalie) to appear in a WC final.

👶 2006: Messi competed in six WCs, making his first appearance at age 19 in 2006. Astoundingly, Messi’s WC performances only improved with age — this tourney was his most productive on the stat sheet as the GOAT recorded eight goals and four assists. Not bad for a dad of three.

👏 21: Messi notched 21 goals across his six WCs, scoring in five of the tourneys he participated in. His 21 all-time career WC goals are second only to Mbappé’s 22.

👀 12: Messi’s not done yet. He’s already scored 12 goals for his MLS team, Inter Miami CF, so far this season. Miami’s currently second in the Eastern Conference and will return to play this Saturday. Will Messi see the field that quickly after the WC? Stay tuned.