Lionel Messi World Cup Odds

Even at 38-years-old, the legendary Lionel Messi has captured the headlines once more at the 2026 World Cup.

The Argentine magician notched his first ever World Cup hat-trick in his sides' 3-0 victory over Algeria, as Argentina embarked on their defence of the title they won at Qatar 2022.

Messi has been centre stage in the United States since his transfer to MLS outfit Inter Miami in 2023, and on his 200th appearance for his nation, the former Barcelona star continued to reach new footballing heights.

Now appearing at a record-breaking sixth World Cup campaign, Messi shows no sign of slowing down on the international stage; indeed the 38-year-old is now prominent in the betting for a number of awards in North America this summer.

Lionel Messi World Cup Odds

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Following his star performance and three goals in Argentina's opening win over Algeria, Messi is now the favourite to be top goalscorer at the 2026 World Cup.

Across the entirety of Argentina's 2022 winning World Cup campaign Messi managed seven goals, meaning he has almost reached half that tally in just one game.

France's Kylian Mbappe was the Golden Boot winner that year with eight, three of which came in the final, and the two previous World Cup's saw Harry Kane and James Rodriguez top score with six each.

If Messi can notch another couple of goals in his last two group games, he will surely elevate himself to Golden Boot contention before the knockout rounds even start.

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Reigning World Cup champions Argentina are doubtless among the front-runners to win the tournament this summer, and become the first nation to retain the Jules Rimet trophy since their South American rivals Brazil in 1962.

It is 40 years since the legendary Diego Maradona led his nation to glory at the 1986 World Cup and his heir Messi could arguably eclipse the achievements of Maradona by securing back-to-back World Cup wins.

After their first round of fixtures in the group stage, Messi is already three clear of any of his teammates in the goalscoring charts. If Argentina go on to lift the trophy it is likely their captain would also finish the campaign with the most goals.

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Messi is no stranger to the coveted FIFA Golden Ball award, the playmaking wizard won the award at both the 2022 and 2014 World Cup - becoming the only player in history to win two Golden Balls.

Given the manner which he has started the 2026 campaign, it would be no surprise to see the 38-year-old lift a record third Golden Ball award this summer, and he is amongst the favourites to do so.

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Due to his incredible longevity it comes as no surprise that Messi has provided the joint-most assists in World Cup history with eight.

Messi sits alongside his hero and fellow Argentine great Maradona at the top of the assist charts, and he has created at least one goal in all of his previous five World Cup campaigns.

Given that Messi is Argentina's attacking focal point, it stands to reason that he may score more goals than provide assists in North America this summer. However, with the likes of Julian Alvarez and Lauturo Martinez running off him, Messi is likely to set up more goals again in this tournament and become the all-time leading assist maker.