Lionel Messi has another World Cup milestone within reach, and this one puts him directly alongside one of Brazil’s greatest ever strikers.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, conversations around Messi’s legacy have started to build again.

Even after winning the trophy in 2022, the Argentina star continues to add layers to a career that already places him among the game’s all-time greats.

This time, the focus is on a specific record that has stood for decades, and it belongs to Ronaldo Nazario.

Lionel Messi closes in on Ronaldo Nazario’s World Cup record

As highlighted via FOX Sports on X, Messi is within touching distance of becoming the top South American goalscorer in World Cup history.

Ronaldo currently holds the record with 15 goals, a tally built across three tournaments and defined by his dominance in 2002.

Messi, meanwhile, sits on 13 goals heading into what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance in 2026.

That gap of just two goals has opened the door for another historic moment. Given Argentina’s attacking setup and Messi’s central role, the record is realistically within reach if he can find form during the tournament.

It also adds another layer to the debate around longevity and peak performance, especially when comparing eras and tournament formats.

Fans split over Leo Messi’s chances of breaking Ronaldo’s record

The possibility has already sparked strong reactions across social media, with fans debating both Messi’s chances and the context behind the record.

Some believe the timing is perfect, with one fan noting it is the “perfect time to get the record broken,” while others see it as almost inevitable, calling it “very possible” given Messi’s role in Argentina’s attack.

There is also confidence in how quickly it could happen, with one comment suggesting that “in one match, Messi is breaking this record.” But not everyone is convinced.

Some fans have pointed to the number of tournaments played, arguing that Ronaldo achieved his tally in fewer World Cups, with one response calling it “absolutely shameless” if Messi breaks it after playing in more editions.

Others have taken a more critical angle, referencing Argentina’s penalty record and suggesting that external factors could play a role if the milestone is reached.

That divide highlights how records like this are rarely judged on numbers alone. They are shaped just as much by context, perception, and rivalry. For Messi, though, the equation is simple. Two more goals, and another piece of history becomes his.

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