Lionel Messi was called up by Argentina for Copa of Mundo in 2026. Aos 39 years old, the player could become the first in history to compete in six editions of the tournament. The team will compete in the competition in Estados Unidos, México and Canadá.
The announcement reinforces the star’s longevity. Messi has already been present at Copas in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. Agora seeks to expand personal marks in a tournament that has already won him the 2022 title.
Messi can break marks of Klose and Cafu
The Argentine has 13 goals in Mundiais. Ele needs just four to surpass the record of Miroslav Klose, who has 16. Messi also has 16 wins and can equal or pass the German, who won 17 games for Alemanha.
Outra possible goal is to reach the third final. Ele played in the 2014 and 2022 decisions. If he repeats the feat, he will tie with Cafu as the player with the most finals in the history of Copas. Além furthermore, simply participating in 2026 will place him as the absolute record holder for appearances, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lothar Matthäus, both with five.
Esses numbers show consistency. Messi maintains a high level even after years at the top. The official call-up confirms that he remains the centerpiece of Argentina.
Livro reveals details of the star’s trajectory
The moment coincides with the launch ofMessi: THE Gênio Completo. The work, written by journalist Ariel Senosiain and published by Editora Hábito, brings together 68 exclusive interviews. Familiares, coaches, managers and teammates contributed reports.
The book goes from childhood in Rosário to world title in Catar. Ele seeks to show the human side behind the records. Senosiain wanted to go beyond achievements and explore the athlete’s construction.
- Primeira summons with name error
- Tratamento for failure to thrive
- Previsão by Ronaldinho on the future of the young man
- Timidez from the base
- Quase accident during goal celebration
The list of exclusive stories helps you understand the complete journey.
Erro unusual in the first selection call
One of the curious passages happened in the first call. Omar Souto, from Associação from Futebol Argentino, called Messi’s father. Ele reported that the entity wanted to summon “Leonardo Messi”.
Jorge Messi corrected it immediately. “My son’s name is Lionel,” he replied. The episode became a symbol of the first contacts between the player and the team he would lead for almost two decades.
Tratamento hormonal allowed physical development
Messi faced serious challenge in childhood. Diagnosticado with growth hormone deficiency, he measured 1.26 meters at 11 years old. Treatment with synthetic somatotropin was constant for years.
No Barcelona, medical care has increased. Ele maintained strict discipline. The effort resulted in him being 1.70 meters tall and allowed him to pursue his professional career without major interruptions. The book details this phase as fundamental for development.
Ronaldinho predicted dominance of the young Argentine
In 2004, during Barcelona’s pre-season at China, Ronaldinho Gaúcho observed Messi in the youth categories. The Brazilian, then the best in the world, told journalist Cristina Cubero that the young man would be better than him.
The prediction came true a few years later. Messi assumed leadership at the Catalan club and built a career with multiple titles. The report appears in the book as the starting point of the ascension.
Timidez marked personality from an early age
Messi has always stood out for his reserve. Jorge Messi says that his son seemed disconnected on the field, observing everything in silence until deciding the game with the ball. Essa feature appeared even at important moments.
In 2010, in his first time as captain of Argentina, he got stuck when trying to speak to his teammates. The book explores how introspection coexists with explosive talent.
Comemoração almost ended in accident
In 2012, Messi scored three goals against Brasil in a friendly match at Estados Unidos. The victory ended 4-3 for Argentina. Após the third goal, considered one of the most beautiful of the match, players and coaching staff ran to hug him.
Eles took down an advertising billboard. Masseur Marcelo D’Andrea and goalkeeper Agustín Orion secured the structure in time. The incident prevented an ankle injury to the star.
Presença in 2026 consolidates legacy
Messi arrives at Copa in 2026 with practically all possible titles. Mesmo so you can still write new chapters. The tournament could be his farewell to Mundiais, but also an opportunity to expand his record collection.
Enquanto this, the bookMessi: THE Gênio Completooffers fans a more complete view of his career. Ele highlights talent, resilience and personality as pillars of one of the greatest idols in world football.