Can Messi become the oldest scorer and top finalist scorer at the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to feature Argentina defending their title against Spain. Lionel Messi, who has already found the back of the net eight times in the tournament, is poised to chase five distinct records if he scores in the decisive match.

1. **Oldest Final Scorer** – The current holder, Swedish midfielder Nils Liedholm, scored at 35 years, 264 days in 1958. Messi, now 39 years and 25 days, would rewrite that record by several years.

2. **Most Goals by a Champion‑Team Player in One Edition** – Guillermo Stábile’s eight‑goal haul in 1930 remains the benchmark. Messi’s eight goals already match it; a ninth would put him alone at the summit.

3. **Most Goals for a Winning Team Across All Tournaments** – Brazil’s Ronaldo scored eight goals for the 2002 champions. A goal would move Messi ahead of that mark.

4. **Second Player to Score in Two Separate Finals** – Only five players have managed to score in two different World Cup finals. Messi’s brace in the 2022 final already qualifies him; a goal in 2026 would make him the sixth.

5. **Oldest Out‑field Player to Appear in a Final** – At 39 years, 25 days, he would become the oldest field player to feature in a final, underscoring his extraordinary longevity.

These five potential milestones illustrate why the 2026 final could become a historic night for Messi, solidifying his legacy as one of football’s all‑time greats.