Lionel Messi has won one FIFA World Cup. He lifted the trophy with Argentina in 2022 after an unforgettable final against France. That victory is the only time in his career he’s been crowned world champion at the senior men’s World Cup level.
Below, AdiyaBall will take you through the full context—how close Messi came before 2022, what made that win so special, and how his World Cup record stacks up vs. his legendary status.
Messi’s World Cup journey before 2022, Messi’s World Cup story has been one of relentless pursuit:
- Messi made his World Cup debut with Argentina in 2006, going on to appear in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
- His best performance before 2022 came in 2014, when Argentina reached the final under his leadership. Messi scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist in that tournament. However, they were defeated by Germany 1-0 in extra time.
- In each of the earlier tournaments, although Messi stood out individually (winning several Golden Ball awards etc.), the World Cup trophy itself eluded him.
2022 World Cup: Messi’s crowning moment
2022 in Qatar was Messi’s defining World Cup. Here are the highlights that turned his one World Cup win into a masterpiece:
- He captained Argentina, played in every major knockout round (Round of 16 → Quarter-final → Semi-final → Final) and scored in all those stages—including the final.
- Messi netted 7 goals in the tournament, tying with his all-time best for a single edition of the World Cup in terms of goals.
- He was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player—for the second time in his career.
- The final was dramatic: Argentina beat France on penalties after a 3-3 draw in extra time. Messi scored twice in the match and stood out throughout.
Why this one World Cup win matters
Winning World Cups is the highest aspiration for any footballer; for Messi, the 2022 victory closed a long-running narrative:
- It solidified his legacy not just as a great scorer or playmaker, but as a complete champion who finally conquered the highest stage in international football.
- It answered critics who said he had dominated club football but underdelivered (comparatively) in the World Cup.
- It places him among the very few in history who have won both the Ballon d’Or (or equivalent awards) many times and also a World Cup.
World Cup statistics & Messi’s overall record
Some additional facts to understand Messi’s World Cup legacy:
- Between 2006-2022, Messi played 26 World Cup matches for Argentina, scoring 13 goals, making him the country’s all-time top scorer at World Cups.
- He also holds records for being one of the few players to feature in five World Cups, and for making the most appearances in World Cup history. anet Football)
- His performance in 2022 was arguably his most consistent across all matches in one World Cup—scoring, assisting, and leading the team as captain.
How many World Cups has Messi won: summary
To be absolutely clear: Messi has won 1 World Cup at the senior level, with Argentina in 2022.
Conclusion
How many World Cups has Messi won? Just one — the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But what a win it was, ending a decade of “almosts” with a final of epics and etching his name into the greatness stratosphere.
AdiyaBall invites you to keep following Messi’s journey—whether it’s in club tournaments, international cups, or even whispers of his role beyond the pitch. Want to dive into his World Cup heat maps, goals by match, or compare with Maradona or Pelé? Just say the word, and let’s explore.
