LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi is making a record 26th appearance at the World Cup, breaking a tie with Germany great Lothar Matthäus.
Messi’s games have been spread over five World Cups, starting in 2006. He has 11 goals in total, tied for sixth in the all-time list.
Messi has said this is likely to be his last World Cup.
Players with most games in World Cup history
26 Lionel Messi, Argentina (2006-22)
25 Lothar Matthaus, Germany (1982-98)
24 Miroslav Klose, Germany (2002-14)
23 Paolo Maldini, Italy (1990-2002)
22 Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal (2006-22)
21 Uwe Seeler, West Germany (1958-70)
21 Wladyslaw Zmuda, Poland (1974-86)
21 Diego Maradona, Argentina (1982-94)
20 Grzegorz Lato, Poland (1974-82)
20 Cafu, Brazil (1994-2006)
20 Philipp Lahm, Germany (2006-14)
20 Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany (2006-14)
20 Javier Mascherano, Argentina (2006-18)
20 Hugo Lloris, France (2010-22)
3:36