Lionel Messi added another record to his career. He became the first player to take the pitch in six different men’s World Cups. He made history with his appearance in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City.
The match was his 200th for Argentina. He broke the record that had been shared by five other players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Mexican goalkeepers Antonio Carbajal and Guillermo Ochoa, Mexican outfielders Andrés Guardado and Rafael Márquez, and Germany’s Lothar Matthäus. Ronaldo is expected to match Messi’s mark when Portugal play DR Congo on Wednesday.
Messi already held the record for most World Cup appearances, passing Matthäus during the 2022 final in Qatar. His appearance on Tuesday was his 27th career World Cup match.
The 38-year-old has suggested this World Cup will be his last international tournament. He made his World Cup debut in 2006, when he came on as a substitute and scored in Argentina’s 6-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro. He was 18 at the time.
Top 5 Most Famous Lionel Messi Conspiracy Theories
1. The 2022 World Cup Was “Rigged” for Messi
This is perhaps the most enduring theory. That the Qatar World Cup was orchestrated for Messi to finally lift the trophy.
The theory exploded after a photo surfaced showing Messi in a “private meeting” with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Qatari officials before the tournament. The implication was that a deal had been struck to ensure Argentina’s victory.
The photo was later proven to be completely fake. There is zero evidence that Messi made any such deal.
2. The 2026 World Cup “Red Card” Cover-Up
This theory erupted in real-time during the 2026 World Cup. It was when Messi escaped punishment for a dangerous tackle.
During Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, Messi appeared to plant his studs on the calf of defender Aissa Mandi. It was a clear red-card offense to many. However, referee Szymon Marciniak didn’t even issue a yellow card, and VAR didn’t review it.
Fans and pundits accused FIFA of “rigging” the tournament to protect Messi. One user on X stated, “It’s so obvious that FIFA is going to protect Messi again this World Cup.” Pundits like Nedum Onuoha and Ale Moreno also agreed it should have been a red card. The lack of action played directly into the “preferential treatment” narrative.
3. The Copa America Was “Organized” for Messi to Win
Before his 2021 triumph, Messi’s failure to win a major international trophy was a significant criticism. This led to a theory about the Copa America’s scheduling.
A popular conspiracy suggests that the Copa America was held four times in six years (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021). They say it was specifically to give Messi more chances to win an international title.
Argentina did lose the 2015 and 2016 finals and finished third in 2019 before finally winning in 2021. The 2016 edition was a special centenary tournament celebrating 100 years of the competition. The theory ignores these facts to create a narrative of favoritism.
4. The Failed Barcelona Return Was Sabotaged
After leaving Barcelona in 2021, a potential return in 2023 was a massive story. But conspiracy theories emerged about internal sabotage cause it didn’t happen.
In 2026, former Barcelona manager Xavi claimed that club president Joan Laporta stopped Lionel Messi from returning to the team. Xavi said a deal was already agreed upon. However, Laporta cancelled it because he felt threatened and feared conflict. Former director Mateu Alemany confirmed this story.
Laporta has fiercely denied these claims, calling them lies fueled by “resentment.” He maintains that Messi and his father, Jorge, never gave their final “O.K.” to the move. However, the allegations of a conspiracy continue to linger.
5. Messi is a “Mossad Agent”
Perhaps the most bizarre conspiracy theory. It says that Lionel Messi is a covert agent for Mossad.
This theory was pushed by a popular Argentine TikToker named “Michelo.” He released a video accusing Messi of being a “covert agent” for Mossad, calling him an “ugly, cold-hearted person” who works for the Israeli intelligence service. Michelo even cited Messi posing with a Newell’s Old Boys shirt as “proof” of his involvement.
The accusation came amid heightened international tension between Israel and Iran. There is, of course, no evidence to support this claim, which is widely regarded as a ludicrous and unfounded smear.
FAQs
Q. What World Cup record did Lionel Messi set?
A. Messi became the first player to play in six men’s FIFA World Cups.
Q. How many matches has Messi played for Argentina?
A. Messi has played 200 matches for Argentina.
Q. When did Lionel Messi make his World Cup debut?
A. Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro.
Q. How many World Cup matches has Messi played?
A. Messi has played 27 World Cup matches.
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