Messi's sixth tournament moves him past several players who reached five editions. Germany's Lothar Matthäus and Manuel Neuer each played in five, with Neuer starting in goal for Germany against Curacao earlier in the week to reach his fifth. Mexico midfielders Andres Guardado and Rafa Marquez also played in five, as did El Tri goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal, who suited up from 1950 through 1966.
The Algeria match marked Messi's 27th World Cup appearance, extending his existing record for most games in the top competition. Portugal attacker Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to join Messi at six tournaments when Portugal opens its 2026 campaign on June 17.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has traveled to six World Cup tournaments but did not see game action in 2006 or 2010 and has yet to play in this year's competition. After Algeria, Argentina faces Austria and Jordan in the group stage as its title defense continues. Messi, who turns 39 in June and now plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer had scored 116 goals in 198 international matches as a 38-year-old entering the 2026 World Cup. Argentina will be favored to go far in the World Cup.
World Cup matches stream on Fubo or the Fox One App. Spanish language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock.
