Messi Nears Historic Labruna Record with Two Days to Go
On March 31, 2026, Lionel Messi scored his 116th goal for Argentina. The strike came in a friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera. That tally further extended his record as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer.
How close Messi is to a historic Labruna mark
Messi is now two days shy of one of Ángel Amadeo Labruna’s long-standing marks. Labruna netted his final goal for Argentina on July 7, 1957. He was 38 years and 282 days old at the time.
Messi, born on June 24, 1987, scored against Zambia at 38 years and 280 days. He needs one more goal in the upcoming friendlies or at the World Cup to surpass Labruna. The situation has prompted headlines such as Messi Nears Historic Labruna Record with Two Days to Go.
Labruna’s goals and final appearances
Ángel Amadeo Labruna scored against Brazil at the Maracanã in 1957. That match finished 2-1 and was a friendly coached by Guillermo Stábile. Labruna later played in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
His last international appearance came in a heavy 6-1 defeat to Czechoslovakia. That match took place on June 15, 1958. Labruna was 39 years and 260 days old then.
Record context and what remains
Messi already sits far ahead of Gabriel Batistuta in goals. Batistuta recorded 54 goals for Argentina between 1991 and 2002. Messi’s 116 goals have rewritten the country’s scoring history.
However, Labruna still holds the age-related record for the oldest player to appear for Argentina. Because Messi will turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup, he cannot break that particular record at the tournament. To surpass Labruna as Argentina’s oldest player, Messi would need to play into 2027.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Messi goals for Argentina | 116 (as of 31/03/2026) |
| Messi age at Zambia goal | 38 years, 280 days (born 24/06/1987) |
| Ángel Labruna last Argentina goal | 7 July 1957; age 38 years, 282 days |
| Labruna oldest appearance | 15 June 1958; age 39 years, 260 days |
| Gabriel Batistuta | 54 goals (1991–2002) |
Labruna died in 1983 while managing Argentinos Juniors. Messi’s next matches will determine whether he eclipses Labruna’s scoring-age mark. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow the story as events unfold.
