Messi sets three historic records in 2026 World Cup final
Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who started in the final match of the 2026 World Cup against Spain, set several historic achievements at once.
The 39-year-old player became the second player in World Cup history to participate in three final matches.
Messi had previously played in the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and the 2022 final against France. Before him, only Brazilian Cafu achieved this, playing in the 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cup finals.
In addition, Messi became the first footballer in World Cup history to start in three final matches. Cafu only appeared in the first half of the 1994 World Cup final, replacing the injured Jorginho.
The Argentina captain also updated the record as the oldest outfield player to ever play in a World Cup final. Starting the match at age 39, he surpassed the achievement of Swede Gunnar Gren, who played in the 1958 World Cup final at the age of 37 years and 241 days.
However, the absolute record for the oldest participant in a World Cup final still belongs to Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff. In the 1982 World Cup final against West Germany, he took the field at the age of 40 years and 133 days.
It is noted that the 39-year-old Messi has been playing for the American club Inter Miami since 2023. Previously, he defended the colors of French PSG and Spanish Barcelona.
Recall that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
