The Messi paradox! Worst running stats at the World Cup, yet top scorer
Argentina’s leader ran the least among players with 90+ minutes, but netted 6 goals in the group stage
Football news
Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
Lionel Messi delivered one of the most remarkable statistical contrasts of the 2026 World Cup group stage: the Argentina forward ranked last in average distance covered, yet he topped the scoring charts.
Details: Across three group matches, Messi averaged just 8.1 kilometers per 90 minutes—placing him 618th out of 618 players who played at least 90 minutes.
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But Messi’s low mileage didn’t stop him from being the most prolific player of the group stage. The Inter Miami star already has 6 goals for Argentina’s national team.
In the round of 16, Argentina will face Cape Verde. The match is set for the night of Saturday, July 4th.
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