Many around the world questioned Lionel Messi's decision when he joined the American soccer league, after his bad experience at Paris Saint-Germain between 2022 and 2024, considering it a desire to retire in a lower-level league.

Four years later, at age 39, statistics—absolute and relative—indicate that Messi is in excellent physical condition, enjoys good fitness (clearly at his own pace), and delivers a performance that few expected (either due to lack of attention to the American league or other reasons), according to the Spanish newspaper Marca.

Beyond general statistics, one statistic stood out after the England match: Messi equaled his record of nine successful dribbles in a single World Cup match during the semi-final. He had previously achieved this feat against Iceland in 2018 (at age 30) and against Germany in 2010 (at age 23).

Another notable statistic for Messi is his scoring or assisting in 13 consecutive matches for his club (Inter Miami) or his national team. This is the second-longest streak of his career, after a 14-match streak in 2011.

With two matches remaining, Lionel Messi tops the tournament's scoring list with eight goals, tied with Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, but surpasses him in number of assists. Erling Haaland has 7 goals, while both Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have 6 goals.

Messi also approached the amazing record held by Frenchman Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals in the World Cup. This achievement was accomplished in only 6 matches during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. This historic record still stands today.

Overall, Leo has played 33 matches in his six World Cup appearances (more than anyone else) and scored 22 goals (more than anyone else), although Mbappé is close behind him, having scored 20 goals in 22 matches in just three World Cup tournaments, at the age of 27.