24/06/2026 07:19 - Deportes
Lionel Messi turned 39 years old on June 24, 2026 in the midst of a celebration that transcends sports. The Rosario star is going through the 2026 World Cup setting milestones that seem unattainable for any other player in world football history.
The celebration day came after a crucial victory for Argentina 2-0 against Austria in Dallas, corresponding to the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Messi, author of both goals, missed a penalty in the 9th minute but recovered with a goal at 38' of the first half and another in the final stretch of the match.
Messi achieved another extraordinary milestone by matching the record of Just Fontaine (France 1958) and Jairzinho (Brazil 1970) of scoring in six consecutive World Cup matches. This mark demonstrates not only his scoring ability but also his consistency across different world tournaments.
Just Fontaine was a French striker who scored 13 goals in a single World Cup (1958), a record that still stands. Jairzinho was a Brazilian winger who scored in every match of the 1970 World Cup, when Brazil won their third title with the legendary team led by Pelé.
The Argentine forward, who had already achieved maximum glory in Qatar 2022, continues to expand his legend on North American soil where the 2026 World Cup is being played in an expanded format with 48 teams.
| Team | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 6 | +5 |
| Austria | 3 | - |
| Algeria | 3 | - |
| Jordan | 0 | - |
Argentina has already qualified as group leader.
06/27/2026 - 11:00 PM (Argentina time)
Argentina vs Jordan - Dallas
07/03/2026 - 7:00 PM (Argentina time)
Round of 32 - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Opponent: Second place from Group H
Group H is led by Spain with 4 points, followed by Uruguay and Cape Verde with 2 points each.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that he will make rotations in the next match against Jordan. Defender Cuti Romero will be preserved after receiving a knock to his right knee during the match against Austria, although the injury is not serious.
After the match, his teammates Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, and Lisandro Martínez publicly praised the greatness of the Argentine captain, highlighting his leadership both on and off the field and his ability to continue making a difference at 39 years old.
Alexis Mac Allister: Midfielder who plays for Liverpool FC in the English Premier League.
Leandro Paredes: Experienced midfielder, key piece in Argentina's midfield.
Lisandro Martínez: Defender known for his toughness, plays for Manchester United.
The Argentine National Team continues its path in the 2026 World Cup with sights set on repeating the title achieved in Qatar, with Messi as the undisputed figure of Scaloni's team.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
