FLASH NEWS
The "King" of the World Cup! The three statistics that finally close the debate of the best player in history
2026-06-17 23:37:39 / SPORT
Lionel Messi knows no time limits or physical limits. His latest performance and magical hat-trick against Algeria are not just another spectacle for the fans' eyes, but a complete rewriting of World Cup history.
The numbers show an absolute dominance that defies the laws of nature and leaves some of the biggest names in the sport in the shade. Here are the "crazy" statistics that prove why "The Flea" stands alone at the top of the world.
The close-knit club of the Golden “Old Men”: Triplets at the age of 38
In the long history of the World Cup, scoring a hat-trick is a major achievement, but doing so after reaching 30 is a privilege reserved for very few. Only three players have achieved this feat in history. Messi has taken this record to another level, achieving a hat-trick at the age of 38. He dominates this particular podium, leaving behind his historical rival, Cristiano Ronaldo (who scored against Spain at the age of 33), and Dutchman Rob Rensenbrink (against Iran at the age of 30).
The Kings of Goal: At the absolute top of the World Championships
With his latest brace and hat-trick, the Argentina captain took the top spot, equalling Germany's Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 goals each. Beyond the goals, the Argentine also set an all-time longevity record, playing in his 6th World Cup.
Here's how the top scorers look over the years:
Lionel Messi: 16 goals (in his 6th World Cup, a record in its own right).
Miroslav Klose: 16 goals (in 4 World Cups: 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014).
Ronaldo Nazário (The Phenomenon): 15 goals (in 4 World Cups: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006).
Gerd Müller: 14 goals (in only 2 World Cups: 1970 and 1974).
Kylian Mbappé: 14 goals (in 3 World Cups: 2018, 2022 and currently in the 2026 one).
Most absurd statistic: Better as a "veteran" than the legends in their entire careers
Perhaps the most frightening statistic of all is this: Lionel Messi has scored a whopping 10 goals in World Cups since turning 35. This incredible figure surpasses the number of goals that some of the legends of football history have scored during their entire careers on the biggest stage. Messi, in his years as a veteran alone, has scored more goals than his entire World Cup career:
Cristiano Ronaldo: 8 goals
Diego Armando Maradona: 8 goals
Rivaldo: 8 goals
Harry Kane: 8 goals
Thierry Henry: 6 goals
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