Lionel Messi World Cup 2026 stats and odds

Argentina suffered heartbreak in the 2026 World Cup final, falling to a 1-0 extra-time defeat against Spain.

La Roja were arguably the better side throughout the contest and deservedly claimed their second World Cup crown, with Ferran Torres's extra-time strike proving decisive.

The reigning European champions created the best chances against Lionel Scaloni's men, who were reduced to 10 players when Enzo Fernandez was sent off shortly before the match entered extra time.

At 39, Lionel Messi may have played his final World Cup match, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner can reflect with immense pride on a remarkable international career that saw him lead Argentina to three World Cup finals, lifting the trophy once.

Here, we take a closer look at Messi's key statistics and betting odds ahead of the World Cup final against Spain.

Lionel Messi World Cup 2026 stats

• Appearances: 8
• Goals: 8
• Assists: 4
• Yellow cards: 0
• Red cards: 0
• Shots per game: 4.4
• Scoring frequency: 93 mins
• Big chance created: 8
• Big chance missed: 3
• Ground duels won: 7.4
• Key passes per game: 3.3
• Tackles per game: 1.4
• Expected goals (xG): 5.28
• Distance covered: 6.6 km

With eight goals and four assists in eight appearances, Lionel Messi finished second in the top scorer race behind Kylian Mbappe, who became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot on two occasions.

The Argentina captain also averaged 3.3 key passes per game, underlining his immense creative influence throughout the tournament.

The former Barcelona icon found the net every 93 minutes, showcasing his enduring brilliance with both his finishing and playmaking.

Messi may not have collected an individual award at this World Cup, but there is little doubt that Argentina would not have reached the final without his inspirational performances throughout the tournament.

He left the pitch in tears after the final whistle, but his legacy remains untarnished, with the footballing world set to remember him as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game and a man who elevated the World Cup to extraordinary heights.