FIFA World Cup Players Most Matches
Lionel Messi has played in the most FIFA World Cup matches, appearing a record 26 times for Argentina. Messi was a part of the Argentina squad for five editions of the FIFA World Cup from 2006-2022. He also holds the record for most goals scored at the World Cup and most Man of the Match awards. Read on to learn more about the most appearances by a player in the FIFA World Cup.
Who has played the most matches at the FIFA World Cup?
- Lionel Messi: 26 World Cup appearances for Argentina
- Lothar Matthäus: 25 World Cup appearances for Germany
- Miroslav Klose: 24 World Cup appearances for Germany
- Paolo Maldini: 23 World Cup appearances for Italy
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 World Cup appearances for Portugal
- Diego Maradona: 21 World Cup appearances for Argentina
- Uwe Seeler: 21 World Cup appearances for Germany
- Władysław Żmuda: 21 World Cup appearances for Poland
- Grzegorz Lato: 20 World Cup appearances for Poland
- Javier Mascherano: 20 World Cup appearances for Argentina
- Cafú: 20 World Cup appearances for Brazil
- Philipp Lahm: 20 World Cup appearances for Germany
- Bastian Schweinsteiger: 20 World Cup appearances for Germany
- Hugo Lloris: 20 World Cup appearances for France
FAQ
What is the highest number of matches that a single player has played in the FIFA World Cup?
The highest number of matches that a player has played in the FIFA World Cup is 26. This record was set by the famous Argentine forward Lionel Messi. Though Messi only has one World Cup title, which he helped lead Argentina to in 2022, he has played in every World Cup for his home nation since 2006. In his 26 World Cup matches, Messi has scored 13 goals. He has also won the most Man of the Match Awards in World Cup history.
Who was the oldest player to play in a FIFA World Cup?
Essam El-Hadary was the oldest player to play in the FIFA World Cup. The Egyptian international served as the national team goalkeeper at a record 45 years of age. In all international competitions, Essam El-Hadary made 159 appearances for the Egyptian national team, nine more appearances than Lothar Matthäus, the player that played the most FIFA World Cup matches in history.