In keeping with a publish made on FIFA’s official X deal with, Lionel Messi stays the all-time file holder for probably the most FIFA World Cup appearances, having performed 26 matches throughout 5 tournaments between 2006 and 2022.
FIFA posted:
The participant with most @FIFAWorldCup appearances ever? 👀
Lionel Messi, with 26 to his identify!
Softfootball earlier reported that The Argentine captain was included in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Might 28, 2026, incomes a historic sixth World Cup call-up and shifting nearer to a different landmark achievement in his legendary profession.
If Messi takes to the sphere in North America, he’ll change into the primary participant in soccer historical past to look at six FIFA World Cups, surpassing the present file of 5 tournaments shared by a number of soccer greats.
The 38-year-old already holds the file for many World Cup matches performed with 26 appearances, a quantity that might improve additional if Argentina progress deep into the expanded 48-team match being hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada.
Including to an already exceptional yr, Messi was just lately honoured with the celebrated Princess of Asturias Award for Sports activities, one other main recognition of a profession broadly thought to be one of many best in soccer historical past.
With one other World Cup on the horizon, FIFA’s newest tribute underlines Messi’s extraordinary longevity, consistency and enduring impression on the worldwide sport.
