December 15, 2022
2 mins read

Messi inched a step closer to the biggest dream

Messi has made a record 18 appearances as captain in the World Cup. He is followed by Rafa Marquez (17) and Diego Maradona (16)…reports Asian Lite News

While leading Argentina to the final of the FIFA World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Croatia, Lionel Messi has inched a step closer to fulfilling his biggest dream — adding the World Cup crown to the dozens of titles he has won in club cricket.

The 35-year-old scored a goal in the match through a penalty, which is his fifth in Qatar 2022.

In the process of taking Argentina to the final, Messi set many records and also set himself up for bettering more marks in international football and FIFA World Cup when Argentina take on the winner of the second semifinal between France and Morocco.

Messi is one of only six men to have played in five World Cups alongside Antonio Carbajal, Lothar Matthaus, Rafa Marquez, Andres Guardado and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a report on fifa.com website.

He now shares the record with German World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus for the most World Cup appearances — 25. He will overtake Matthaus if he plays the final on Sunday.

Messi has made a record 18 appearances as captain in the World Cup. He is followed by Rafa Marquez (17) and Diego Maradona (16).

He is the only player to register an assist in five World Cup editions. His closest challengers are Pele, Grzegorz Lato, Diego Maradona and David Beckham, who set up goals in three editions apiece.

Pele and Messi share the record for the most assists in the knockout phase (6).

Messi is Argentina’s leading marksman in the World Cup with 11 goals. He is followed by Gabriel Batistuta (10), Diego Maradona (8), Guillermo Stabile (8), Mario Kempes (6) and Gonzalo Higuain (5).

Paolo Maldini has played the most minutes in World Cup history: 2,217. Messi is on 2,194 and could surpass the Italian in the Qatar 2022 final.

Messi is the only player to score in the World Cup in his teens, 20s and 30s. Pele missed out on accomplishing the same by four months.

Messi scored his first and latest World Cup goals 16 years and 180 days apart. The next biggest span in World Cup history belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo at 16 years and 160 days.

ALSO READ-Scaloni: No big celebrations, we still have one step ahead of us

Previous Story

India, Finland sign joint declaration on migration and mobility

Next Story

India-Russia ties go deeper with provinces getting into play

Latest from Sport

Redemption for India 

India’s triumph marks their first ICC ODI title in 12 years, serving as a soothing balm for the team and its passionate fans after the heartbreak of missing out on the 2023

Kiwis Soar to Final, India Awaits 

Ravindra, Williamson power NZ to record total as Miller’s blazing ton goes in vain.  Former winner New Zealand set up a meeting with India in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy

England Knocked Out 

Azmatullah Omarzai shined, proving his ICC ODI Player of the Year status with a match-winning 41 off 31 and a stunning five-wicket haul to dismantle England.  Afghanistan scripted history with a stunning

India Mauls England 3-0 

Gill has been in red-hot form throughout the series, earning the Player of the Series award with 259 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 86.33…reports Asian Lite News  Opener

Who Gets the Gloves for India 

Bangar feels it’s not feasible for India to play both Rahul and Pant in the same eleven, pointing out that the side can promote one of their spin-bowling all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Messi completes Inter Miami move

The Argentina captain agreed to a contract that runs until

Messi, Ronaldo first-ever joint ad pic break internet

While some social media users called it “iconic”, others hailed