Messi becomes World Cup all-time leading scorer - how has he stayed at the top?
As he becomes the top goalscorer in World Cup history, BBC Sport explores how Lionel Messi is still delivering on the biggest stage in his late 30s.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"It's clear just how passionate Messi still is for football and you can tell it's in his DNA to always be a competitor, and to try and outdo himself more than anyone else."
— Olivier Giroud , Athlete
Key People
Lionel Messi is a renowned Argentine soccer player, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Michael Caulfield is a sports psychologist with over 20 years of experience in professional football.
A Serbian professional tennis player and widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.
Olivier Giroud is a veteran French footballer known for being one of France's all-time highest goal scorers.
Tags
All Coverage
As he becomes the top goalscorer in World Cup history, BBC Sport explores how Lionel Messi is still delivering on the biggest stage in his late 30s.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Ronaldo spurred on by 1,000 goals and Portugal glory
Cristiano Ronaldo contemplated retirement after the World Cup but wants to reach 1,000 career goals and help a new-look Portugal thrive before hanging up his boots.
September 23, 2026 at 04:26 PMEducation, Barcelona & Basque culture - why Spain are dominating football
Spain go into Saturday's Nations League match against England on a 38-match unbeaten run - and with a host of honours to their name. Why are they so good?
September 25, 2026 at 06:20 AMWhy are Arsenal struggling to score in WSL?
Arsenal are already playing catch-up in the WSL title race because they are struggling to score goals. BBC Sport examines why.
September 27, 2026 at 07:15 AMThe footballer who had a heart transplant - then became a World Cup winner
Martyn Jackson never thought he'd play football again when he had a heart transplant in 2024. Less than two years later, he was a World Cup winner with England.
September 23, 2026 at 05:45 PMHunting hidden gems - is there anywhere in the world left to scout?
Through live scouting and increasing data and footage, top clubs now have tabs on a large proportion of the world's talent.
September 23, 2026 at 05:24 AMWhat have we learned from the Premier League so far?
BBC Sport takes a look at the opening weeks of the Premier League season as a long international break arrives.
September 20, 2026 at 07:08 PM