Messi hits 21‑year streak
Lionel Messi scored and provided an assist in Argentina’s 5-0 win over Zambia — the goal extended his run to 21 consecutive years with an international goal. (nbcnewyork.com) The milestone keeps him chasing Cristiano Ronaldo’s all‑time international longevity numbers. (worldsoccertalk.com)
The game took place at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on March 31, 2026, and was billed as Argentina’s final home friendly before they depart for the 2026 World Cup. (espn.com) Messi provided the pass that set up Julián Álvarez’s fourth‑minute opener and then finished after a one‑two with Alexis Mac Allister in the 43rd minute. (worldsoccertalk.com) That finish was logged as Messi’s 116th international goal in what reports list as his 198th cap for Argentina, and it was noted as his first international goal of 2026. (worldsoccertalk.com; espn.com) Messi’s scoring streak stretches from his first international goal in March 2006 through 2026, a span that covers 21 consecutive calendar years with at least one goal. (wikipedia.org) Cristiano Ronaldo remains the benchmark with a 22‑year run for Portugal (2004–2025) as tracked by IFFHS, while World Soccer Talk places Bosnia’s Edin Džeko third with a 20‑year streak. (iffhs.com; worldsoccertalk.com)
