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.
