Updated July 19, 2026, 2:40 p.m. ET
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The heights of the players in the 2026 World Cup ranged from Panama’s 5-foot-3 winger César Yanis to Austria’s 6-foot-9 goalkeeper Florian Wiegele.
Where does Lionel Messi measure up?
Messi stands 5-foot-7, or 1.7 meters. This makes Messi one of the shortest — if not THE shortest — player on the field in nearly ever game he plays.
Messi almost didn’t grow into the greatest soccer player ever. At 11 years old and just 4-foot-4, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. He underwent painful and costly treatments to help him reach the height he is today.
Still, at 5-7, Messi is two inches taller than the Argentina legend he is often compared to: Diego Maradona.
Is Messi the shortest player on Argentina’s World Cup roster?
No. Messi is one of four Argentina players at this World Cup who stand 5-7. Midfielders Valentín Barco and Thiago Almada, and forward Julián Álvarez are the others.
Who is the tallest player on Argentina’s World Cup roster?
That would be goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who is 6-5. As far as field players go, there are three who are 6-1: Defenders Cristian Romero and Marcos Senesi, and midfielder Nico Paz.
