Lionel Messi has officially become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history, achieving this milestone during the ongoing 2026 tournament. As he celebrates his 39th birthday, Messi has already netted five goals in just two matches, showcasing his exceptional talent and defying age expectations.

With a remarkable total of 18 goals in World Cup history, Messi has outperformed all others, solidifying his legacy in the sport. His latest performances include a stunning hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria, leaving fans in awe of his abilities.

Despite his impressive form, Messi has left the door open regarding his potential participation in the 2030 World Cup, which would mark his seventh appearance at the prestigious event. Currently, he shares the record for the most World Cup appearances with Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa, each having participated six times.

In a recent interview, when asked about his future, Messi responded, "Yes, I will continue for a while longer. As long as I can contribute my best, feel physically fit, and help my teammates, I will keep playing." However, when pressed about the next World Cup, he stated, "I don’t know. Honestly, I’m not thinking about that right now; it feels quite far away. But as I said, I live day by day and focus on the present."

Messi's current contract with Inter Miami runs until 2028, meaning he would be 41 years old by the time of the next World Cup. Fans are left wondering if they will see him grace the World Cup stage once more, especially as he continues to lead the scoring charts in the 2026 tournament.

Reflecting on his journey, Messi recalls that a year after winning the 2022 World Cup, he faced similar questions about his future. At that time, he expressed uncertainty about the 2026 tournament but was focused on the Copa América. Now, nearly three years later, he remains at the top of his game, proving that anything is possible, even if he were to compete at 43 during the 2030 World Cup.