The Fact That Raises Questions in Argentina: Lionel Messi Has Never Won a World Cup Played Near His Birthday

Lionel Messi turns 39, and although the world continues to pay tribute to La Pulga, there is a curious fact that concerns some fans of the Argentina National Team: he has never won a FIFA World Cup when the tournament has coincided with his birthday.

The World Cup, normally played in summer, has an unusual coincidence with the Argentine star’s life: Messi was born on June 24. And since his debut in the 2006 FIFA World Cup (Germany 2006), every time he celebrated his birthday during a World Cup camp, the outcome ended in disappointment for Argentina.

Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010

In 2006, at just 19 years old, Messi experienced his first World Cup. Argentina were eliminated in the quarterfinals by host nation Germany on June 30, in a match where the young forward remained on the bench. Just six days after his birthday, the first major World Cup disappointment arrived.

In South Africa 2010, the story repeated itself with even greater intensity. With Diego Armando Maradona as head coach, Argentina suffered a 4–0 defeat against Germany in the quarterfinals on July 3 in Cape Town. It was a heavy elimination, and Messi also left the tournament without scoring a single goal.

Brazil 2014

Brazil 2014 was the closest Messi came to breaking this birthday-related pattern. One day after turning 27, he scored a brace against Nigeria in the final group-stage match, guiding Argentina toward what looked like a dream run.

However, the story ended in heartbreak: on July 13 at the Maracanã, Germany once again appeared—this time in the final of the FIFA World Cup—defeating Argentina and denying him the title in the most painful moment of his career.

Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022

In Russia 2018, the pattern did not change. On June 30, in the Round of 16, France—the future champion—eliminated Argentina in a match where Kylian Mbappé was decisive and Messi could not prevent defeat.

The World Cup he finally conquered, Qatar 2022, had a key difference: it was played in winter. The final took place on December 18, far from his June 24 birthday, breaking the pattern completely and closing his career story with the most important title of all.