Messi’s 100-percent qualification in group stages
In the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi extended his feat, unique in the football history. Throughout his career at club in national team level, he took part in 35 group stages of various competitions with his teams, and has qualified in all 35 occasions!
In particular with Argentina, Messi advanced in 6 out of 6 group stages at World Cup and in 7 out of 7 at Copa America.
Other 22 instances relate to the club competitions with Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami.
| MESSI | GROUP STAGE PROMOTIONS | |
| Competition | GS | Details |
| Champions League | 19 | Barcelona 04-20, PSG 21,22 |
| Club World Cup | 1 | Inter Miami 25 |
| Leagues Cup | 2 | Inter Miami 23,25 |
| World Cup | 6 | Argentina 06,10,14,18,22,26 |
| Copa América | 7 | Argentina 07,11,15,16,19,21,24 |
| Total | 35 |