Lionel Messi’s World Cup final goal against France sets new tournament record

Lionel Messi’s goal from the penalty spot against France has made World Cup history.

The 35-year-old has become the first player in history to score in the group stages, round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final in the same edition of a World Cup.

Messi is playing in his fifth World Cup and is attempting to win the tournament for the first time, after he lost the 2014 final 1-0 to Germany.

The goal which came in the 23rd minute is Messi’s sixth at Qatar 2022 and means he now leads Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

Messi is not the first player to score in every round of the tournament, however.

The Brazilian great Jairzinho scored in every round of the 1970 World Cup — although only 16 nations competed at the tournament, which meant there was no round of 16.

Alcides Ghiggia of Uruguay also scored in every round of the 1950 World Cup. But back then there were only 13 teams, with the tournament consisting of two group stages.

In total, Messi has scored 12 goals in 26 matches at the World Cup.

Read Also: Argentina wins the 2022 FIFA World Cup in penalty shoot-out after thrilling 3-3 draw with France

His previous record at a tournament was four goals, which he accomplished during Argentina’s run to the final of the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

But he has hit new heights in Qatar.

He scored twice in the group stage — against Saudi Arabia and Mexico — before scoring in the round of 16 against Australia, the quarter-final against the Netherlands, the semi-final against Croatia and now the final against France.

Only one team has been able to prevent Messi from scoring: Poland during the group stages.

Messi missed a penalty in that match. Had he scored, he would have hit the back of the net in every single match he played in Qatar.

Messi’s World Cup goalscoring record

2006 World Cup

One goal vs Serbia and Montenegro (Group stage)

2010 World Cup

No goals

2014 World Cup

One goal vs Bosnia (Group stage)
One goal vs Iran (Group stage)
Two goals vs Nigeria (Group stage)

2018 World Cup

One goal vs Nigeria (Group stage)

2022 World Cup

One goal vs Saudi Arabia (Group stage)
One goal vs Mexico (Group stage)
One goal vs Australia (Last 16)
One goal vs Netherlands (Quarter-final)
One goal vs Croatia (Semi-final)
One goal vs France (Final)