Lionel Messi Joins Elite Club with Third World Cup Final Appearance
Lionel Messi has become the second player in football history to feature in three World Cup finals. After appearances in 2014 (lost 1-0 to Germany after extra time) and 2022 (won 4-2 on penalties against France), he was on the pitch for the kickoff of the match between Argentina and Spain on Sunday evening in the USA. The only other player to achieve this feat was the Brazilian legend Cafu, who played in the World Cup finals of 1994, 1998, and 2002.
Messi also holds records for the most World Cup final tournament appearances (tied with Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa at 6), the most games played (34), and the most wins (23 as of the final). Furthermore, at 39 years old, he is now the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup final. In the all-time top scorers' list, he ranks second with 21 goals (as of the final), trailing France's Kylian Mbappé (22).
Cafu, after winning the title in 2002, had said, "I think it's highly unlikely that anyone will play in three World Cup finals again, and I feel honored to be the only footballer to have achieved this." He captained Brazil to victory against Germany (2-0) in that 2002 final. In 1994, he was substituted in during the final victory over Italy (3-2 on penalties), and in 1998, he played the full 90 minutes in the loss to France (0-3).
Lionel Messi Matches Record: His Three World Cup Finals
| Year | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Argentina vs. Germany | Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) |
| 2022 | Argentina vs. France | Lusail (Qatar) |
| 2026 | Argentina vs. Spain | New York/New Jersey (USA) |
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