Lionel Messi joins a tiny elite: six straight World Cup goals

When the final whistle blew in Qatar, Lionel Messi had just etched his name alongside a very exclusive club. The Argentine maestro netted his sixth goal in as many World Cup matches, a streak that stretches from the group stage all the way through the semi‑finals.

It isn’t just the number that’s impressive; it’s the consistency. Messi scored against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in the group, then kept the magic alive versus Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia. Every single game – six in a row – saw him add a goal to the scoreboard.

Only one other player has managed such a run: France’s prodigy Kylian Mbappé, who hit the back of the net in six straight matches at the 2022 tournament. That puts Messi in a very small circle, and fans worldwide are already debating whose streak feels more remarkable.

For Messi, the achievement feels like a personal vindication. After a World Cup heartbreak in 2014, the 2022 edition gave him a chance to rewrite the narrative, and he’s done exactly that – not just by lifting the trophy, but by doing something that will be mentioned whenever his career is discussed.

Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, could hardly hide his pride. “Lionel’s passion, his timing, his hunger – they’re all there,” he said in the post‑match interview. “To score in every game of this tournament shows a level of consistency that’s rare at this level.”

Of course, the record doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The team’s overall performance, the tactics, even a bit of luck have all played a part. Yet, when you strip it back, Messi’s ability to find space, pick a perfect pass and finish cleanly remains the core of the story.

As celebrations continue and Argentina basks in its hard‑won glory, the world will be watching to see if Messi can extend the streak into the next World Cup. For now, though, he’s already secured his place in the annals of football history – a player who, when it mattered most, delivered goal after goal, match after match.