KANSAS CITY, United States (AFP) — Lionel Messi became the first man to play in six World Cup tournaments when he started for Argentina in their opening match against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old, who captained the South American nation to the title four years ago in Qatar, is also winning his 200th international cap.

The Argentine’s great rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, will equal Messi’s record of six World Cup appearances if he plays for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.

Messi made his World Cup debut as a teenager at the 2006 tournament in Germany and announced the 2022 edition would be his last.

He worked his unique magic in the Gulf state, propelling his team to glory with seven goals, including two in a captivating final against France.

But the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner changed his mind about hanging up his boots and was the top-scorer in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Inter Miami player has been in fine form in the MLS, scoring 13 goals in 16 games in 2026.

“I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” the former Barcelona forward said recently.

Argentina’s all-time top-scorer is just the third man to reach 200 caps after Ronaldo and Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa.