CNN looks at 20 defining moments in the career of the football superstar, who mesmerized, broke records and transcended his sport.

UK fans who did not stay up overnight to watch the World Cup missed out on history and, arguably, the best individual performance of the tournament so far. How would Messi respond? By scoring a hat-trick as Argentina began the defence of their crown with a 3-0 win over Algeria.

Walking has accounted for 63 per cent of Messi's movement at this World Cup, a share that is far clear of any other outfield player

Lionel Messi completed football's ultimate fairytale by leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar. In one of the greatest finals in tournament history, Argentina defeated France in a dramatic showdown before Messi finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him throughout his legendary career.

It feels like almost egregious recency bias to have the top soccer moment of the past 140 years from such a recent event. But the combination of ingredients is irresistible. Or were they? Saudi Arabia's comeback win over Argentina in the opening game ...

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who has built an ecosystem around Messi, lauds the captain’s commitment to the team.

As the World Cup group stages come to an end, BBC Sport reporters pick their highlights so far.

Cape Verde nearly completed the biggest comeback in men's FIFA World Cup history, in large part due to another heroic performance from Vozinha, its 40-year-old goalkeeper who leaves the tournament a national hero.

At the age of 39 the Argentine’s greatest superpower is his ability to conserve energy and choose the right moments to attack

So many things across the 50 states — they each have their own flavor and culture too — are uniquely American, which World Cup fans around the world are discovering as they come to the U.S., perhaps for the first time,

Surprise shots, deceptive acceleration and lots of walking — opponents describe what they see when facing the greatest of all time

France, Spain, England and Argentina have the stars for the semifinals, but will the performances match the reputations?