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Lionel Messi shared a series of five photos on his official Instagram account on Saturday, accompanied by the caption "20062026." The post marks his remarkable 20-year World Cup journey as he prepares to compete in his sixth tournament.​
The images trace his development from an 18-year-old talent at the 2006 World Cup in Germany to the experienced world champion entering the 2026 edition. One of the photos captures a memorable moment with Diego Armando Maradona, who coached Argentina during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The image serves as a tribute to the legendary figure, who passed away in November 2020.​
The post quickly attracted widespread attention, generating more than 2.4 million likes and nearly 48,000 comments within a few hours.​
Messi's career has been defined not only by his achievements on the field but also by his longevity at the highest level of the game. Over two decades, he has remained one of football's most influential figures.​
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark Messi's sixth appearance at the tournament, a milestone never previously achieved by any player.​
Across his five previous World Cup campaigns—Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022—Messi has played 26 matches, setting the record for the most World Cup appearances and surpassing Germany's Lothar Matthäus. During those tournaments, he scored 13 goals and recorded eight assists.​
His greatest World Cup achievement came in Qatar in 2022, where he captained Argentina to the title. Messi scored seven goals and provided three assists in seven matches, earning the tournament's Best Player award for the second time after previously receiving the honor at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.​
The Instagram post arrives during an important period for the Argentina captain. In late May, Messi suffered a left hamstring strain while playing for Inter Miami, creating concerns about his fitness ahead of the World Cup.​
However, subsequent medical evaluations confirmed that the injury was not serious, and by June 11, he had fully recovered, removing any uncertainty regarding his participation in the tournament.​
Argentina enter the 2026 World Cup as the reigning champions and the top-ranked team in the FIFA rankings. The squad includes 17 players who were part of the team's successful 2022 World Cup campaign, with Messi continuing to lead the group in pursuit of a fourth world title.​
Head coach Lionel Scaloni previously stated that the initial reports regarding Messi's injury were "not so bad," and the forward's recovery has since confirmed that assessment.​
Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign on Monday against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The defending champions compete in Group J, alongside Austria and Jordan.​
Insights into Messi's World Cup Legacy​
How many World Cups has Lionel Messi participated in?​
Lionel Messi has played in five World Cups: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. The 2026 World Cup will be his sixth appearance.​
What is the significance of Messi's Instagram post?​
The post celebrates Messi's 20-year World Cup journey, showcasing his progression from a young prospect to a world champion. It also includes a tribute to Diego Maradona and highlights the lasting impact of his international career.​
Why is the 2026 World Cup significant for Messi?​
The 2026 tournament will be Messi's sixth World Cup appearance, setting a new milestone in the competition's history and adding another chapter to his international career.