Most World Cup appearances: Top 5 players with the most games at the finals

Before even kicking the ball in the finals of the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi became the player with the most World Cup appearances. He has now made 26 appearances, and has a winner’s medal to show for all that he has given to the sport. 

Top 5 players with the most World Cup appearances 

5. Cristiano Ronaldo – 22 

Ronaldo holds the record for the most international goals, and has one of the most World Cup appearances too. He hasn’t reached the last four of the tournament, but has been a legendary presence for the national team during his time. 

4. Paolo Maldini – 23 

The legendary defender won the World Cup title with Italy in 2006, and has 23 appearances at the finals. Maldini held the record for the most minutes at the competition, before being overtaken by Messi in the 23rd minute. 

3. Miroslav Klose – 24 

The German forward is the all-time top scorer at the World Cup, with 16 goals to his name. None of them have come from penalties. Klose lifted the trophy in 2014, and is also the all-time top scorer for the Germany national team. 

2. Lothar Matthaus – 25 

Matthaus, yet another Germany icon, held the record for the most World Cup appearances before Messi played yesterday. He captained Germany to the 1990 World Cup, and won the subsequent Ballon d’Or for his contributions to the team. 

1. Lionel Messi – 26 

The Argentina skipper won the World Cup in what could be his final appearance at the tournament. He was also named the player of the tournament for scoring seven goals and providing ten assists. He reached the finals in 2014, and has now gotten his hands on the trophy at last. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More like this

Essam El Hadary

Who is the oldest football player to have ever...

The 2022 edition of the World Cup was arguably one of the greatest we have ever seen,...

Top 10 Biggest Wins in Football History

Top 10 Biggest Wins in Football History: Football is cherished for its thrilling unpredictability and dramatic...
ICC ODI World Cup: Top 5 Highest Score in World Cup history - all the details you need to know about!

ICC ODI World Cup: Top 5 Highest Score in...

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has been a stage for cricketing excellence ever since it...
An Indian Name at the 2026 World Cup: Sarpreet Singh’s Historic Journey

An Indian Name at the 2026 World Cup: Sarpreet...

A "Singh" in a FIFA World Cup. A name on the back of a jersey that resonates...

REVEALED: Top 5 most Insta-worthy FIFA World Cup final...

With the 2022 World Cup now over and Argentina crowned as the champions in the nail-biting finale...

LATEST NEWS

ISL 2024-25 Semifinal: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Jamshedpur FC – Preview, Prediction and Where To Watch The Match LIVE

Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are set to square off in the second leg of their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 semi-final...

IPL 2025: MI vs RCB – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI and Where To Watch The Match LIVE

Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 20 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium...

IPL 2025: Siraj, Gill and Washington Power GT to Hand SRH Fourth Straight Defeat

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) endured yet another batting collapse—this time on a sluggish, black-soil home pitch—as they slumped to their fourth consecutive loss in IPL...

ISL 2024-25: Sunil Chhetri’s Last-Gasp Heroics Propel Bengaluru FC Into ISL Final Despite Second-Leg Loss

In a semi-final that will long be remembered for its sheer intensity and drama, Bengaluru FC stormed into their fourth Indian Super League final...

Featured