As Lionel Messi is set to confirm the end of his participation in the FIFA World Cup, he has equalled the record for the most appearances in the finals of the FIFA World Cup following his involvement in Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 edition.
Messi made his appearance as the captain of the side, making it his third appearance in such game, having as well featured in the South America team’s 2014 1-0 loss to Germany, the penalty shootout win over France in the 2022 edition, as well as his sides battle against Spain, which was lost by a loan goal scored by La Roja’s Ferran Torres.
Achieving such feat, he now has the same number as Brazil’s Cafu, who also made it three with the Selecao, having played in the 1994, 1998 and 2022 edition, becoming the first and only player to have recorded the feat on a bounce.
The forward also became the first man to start all of three involvements in such games and also has the most games played in the competition with 34 goals, more than any other player.
As Messi is set to announce an end of his World Cup involvement, he leaves as the current player with the most assist (10) scored or assisted in 11 games on the bounce, the longest of any player, and 33 goal contributions, most of any other player who has graced the tournament.
He also has most assists in the knockout stages of the competition (10) since the year 1966, 21 matches which he has scored in, more than any other player, 17 knockout goal contributions, the most by any player in the period.
In addition, the Argentine’s team skipper has also scored against 15 teams in the tournament, most of any player, 23 matches won, more than any other player, 17 knockout matches played, the most in history, nine most consecutive matches scored in the tournament, the only player to score and win all grades in the World Cup, in his teens, 20’s and 30’s.
The 39-year-old also has the most scored outside then box since 1966 edition, and played in most minutes, 3,054, only player to assists in six different World Cups.