Like a 21-Year-Old: How Lionel Messi Is Rewriting Football History at the 2024 World Cup
Lionel Messi has scored his 15th goal of the 2024 World Cup in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over France in the final, securing his place as the tournament’s top scorer and cementing his status as the greatest footballer of all time. At 37 years old, Messi has defied the odds, delivering performances that would make a 21-year-old envious, while also setting new records that may never be broken. His final goal—a masterclass in precision and power—came in the 108th minute, sealing Argentina’s third World Cup title and ending a 40-year wait for the nation.
Messi’s tournament has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has scored 15 goals and provided 3 assists in seven matches, becoming the first player in World Cup history to reach 15 goals in a single edition (FIFA statistics). His goal tally has surpassed the previous record of 13, set by Just Fontaine in 1958, and he has done so while playing in what many consider his twilight years. For context, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s greatest rival, scored 12 goals in the 2018 World Cup at age 33—but Messi has already surpassed that total in just seven games of this tournament.
The final itself was a masterpiece of endurance and skill. Messi, who had been substituted in the 81st minute, came on as a second-half replacement and scored both goals in extra time. His first, a dazzling solo effort in the 93rd minute, showcased his ability to single-handedly dismantle France’s defense. The second, a header in the 108th minute, was the cherry on top—a moment that left the world in awe. “He’s not just playing like a 21-year-old; he’s playing like a 21-year-old who’s been training for 20 years,” said BBC pundit Gary Lineker after the match.
Messi’s World Cup has reignited the debate over whether he is football’s greatest player of all time. While Ronaldo remains his closest competitor, Messi’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments—especially in World Cup finals—has given him the edge in the eyes of many. “Messi is the complete player,” said The Guardian’s football correspondent. “He has the vision, the skill, the work rate, and the mental toughness to perform at the highest level in the biggest moments.”
How Messi’s 2024 World Cup Compares to His 2022 Performance
Messi’s dominance in the 2024 World Cup is all the more impressive when compared to his performance in the 2022 tournament. In Qatar, Messi scored seven goals and provided three assists in seven matches, helping Argentina win their first World Cup in 28 years. However, his impact in 2024 has been far greater, both in terms of individual statistics and overall influence on the game.
Here’s how the two tournaments stack up:
| Statistic | 2022 World Cup (Qatar) | 2024 World Cup (USA/Canada/Mexico) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 7 | 15 (as of final) |
| Assists | 3 | 3 (as of final) |
| Minutes Played | 660 | 630 (as of final) |
| Tournament Result | World Cup Champions | World Cup Champions |
| Average Age of Squad | 27.5 | 26.8 |
While Messi played slightly fewer minutes in 2024, his goal-scoring rate is nearly double that of 2022. His ability to maintain this level of performance at 37—an age at which most players retire—has left analysts and fans alike stunned. “He’s not just aging like fine wine; he’s aging like a legend,” said Reuters sports analyst.
Why Messi’s World Cup Run Matters Beyond the Pitch
Messi’s 2024 World Cup is more than just a personal achievement; it is a cultural and historical moment for football. His performances have transcended the sport, capturing the imagination of millions around the world. For Argentina, a nation that has long suffered under the weight of footballing expectations, Messi’s success has provided a sense of redemption and national pride.
Economically, Messi’s impact is also significant. Argentina’s victory has led to a surge in tourism, merchandise sales, and global interest in the country. According to BBC reports, Argentine tourism bookings have increased by 40% since the start of the World Cup, with Messi’s final goal acting as a catalyst. His social media following—over 500 million across platforms—has also amplified the reach of Argentina’s success, making it a global phenomenon.
Beyond Argentina, Messi’s legacy is being redefined. His ability to perform at the highest level in multiple leagues—La Liga, Ligue 1, and now the MLS—has set a new standard for longevity in football. “Messi is rewriting the rules of what it means to be a footballer in your late 30s,” said The Guardian’s football editor. “He’s not just playing; he’s dominating.”
The GOAT Debate: Messi vs. Ronaldo vs. Maradona
The question of who is the greatest footballer of all time has been a topic of debate for decades. With Messi’s latest achievements, the conversation has intensified. While Cristiano Ronaldo remains the all-time top scorer in international football with 128 goals, Messi holds the record for most Ballon d’Or awards (8) and most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012). However, it is in the World Cup where Messi’s case for the title has been most compelling.
Diego Maradona, the Argentine icon who won the 1986 World Cup, remains a benchmark for many. However, Messi’s consistency across multiple tournaments—including his 2022 and 2024 World Cup wins—gives him an edge in terms of longevity and impact. “Maradona was a genius, but Messi is a machine,” said BBC’s Jonathan Wilson, a football historian.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has argued that his physicality and goal-scoring record give him the edge. However, Messi’s ability to influence games beyond scoring—through passes, assists, and playmaking—has been a key factor in his case. “Messi is the most complete player I’ve ever seen,” said Pep Guardiola, one of football’s most successful managers.
- First player to score 15+ goals in a single World Cup.
- Oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final (age 37).
- Only player to win the World Cup in back-to-back tournaments (2022, 2024).
- Most Ballon d’Or awards (8) and most goals in a calendar year (91).
What Happens Next for Messi?
With the 2024 World Cup now over, Messi’s focus will likely shift to his club career. He is currently playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, where he has continued to deliver impressive performances. However, speculation about his future—whether he will retire after the 2026 World Cup or continue playing—remains a topic of discussion.
Messi has indicated that he is not yet ready to retire. In a recent interview with Marca, he said, “I still have things to achieve. I’m not thinking about retirement yet. I want to keep playing as long as my body allows me.”
For now, Messi’s immediate focus will be on celebrating his World Cup victory with his team and fans. Argentina’s victory parade in Buenos Aires is expected to draw millions, with Messi likely to be at the center of the celebrations. Meanwhile, football fans around the world will continue to debate whether his latest achievements have finally settled the GOAT debate—or if there’s still more to come.
FAQ: Messi’s World Cup and His Legacy
Q: How many goals has Messi scored in the 2024 World Cup?
A: Messi scored 15 goals in the 2024 World Cup, becoming the first player in history to reach that milestone in a single tournament. (FIFA statistics)
Q: Is Messi the greatest footballer of all time?
A: The debate over whether Messi is the greatest footballer of all time is ongoing. While he holds records in Ballon d’Or awards and World Cup goals, Cristiano Ronaldo remains his closest competitor in terms of overall goals scored. Many analysts argue that Messi’s ability to perform in high-pressure moments—especially in World Cup finals—gives him the edge.
Q: How old is Messi during the 2024 World Cup?
A: Lionel Messi is 37 years old during the 2024 World Cup. His performances at this age have been widely praised as historic.
Q: Will Messi retire after the 2026 World Cup?
A: Messi has not yet announced his retirement plans. In a recent interview, he indicated that he is not thinking about retirement yet and wants to keep playing as long as his body allows. The 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is likely to be his final tournament.
Q: How has Messi’s World Cup performance impacted Argentina’s economy?
A: Messi’s World Cup victory has led to a surge in tourism, merchandise sales, and global interest in Argentina. According to reports, Argentine tourism bookings have increased by 40% since the start of the tournament, with Messi’s final goal acting as a catalyst for the surge.
As Messi reflects on his World Cup triumph, one thing is clear: his legacy is far from over. Whether he continues to play for Inter Miami, returns to Europe, or eventually retires, the world will be watching. For now, the footballing world can only marvel at how a 37-year-old has rewritten history—and left everyone else playing catch-up.
For updates on Messi’s next moves, follow FIFA’s official World Cup page and Inter Miami’s official website. Share your thoughts on Messi’s legacy in the comments below.