According to a post made on FIFA’s official X handle, Lionel Messi remains the all-time record holder for the most FIFA World Cup appearances, having played 26 matches across five tournaments between 2006 and 2022.
FIFA posted:
The player with most @FIFAWorldCup appearances ever? 👀
Lionel Messi, with 26 to his name!
Softfootball earlier reported that The Argentine captain was included in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 28, 2026, earning a historic sixth World Cup call-up and moving closer to another landmark achievement in his legendary career.
If Messi takes to the field in North America, he will become the first player in football history to appear at six FIFA World Cups, surpassing the current record of five tournaments shared by several football greats.
The 38-year-old already holds the record for most World Cup matches played with 26 appearances, a number that could increase further if Argentina progress deep into the expanded 48-team tournament being hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada.
Adding to an already remarkable year, Messi was recently honoured with the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, another major recognition of a career widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history.
With another World Cup on the horizon, FIFA’s latest tribute underlines Messi’s extraordinary longevity, consistency and enduring impact on the global game.
