The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport, and it has hosted many of the world's most outstanding footballers. Unfailingly high performances frequently reckon greatness over a long period of time, and the appearance records for major events are usually matched with the players and nations who have triumphed the most. Let's look at the players who have played the most matches at the grandest stage of football.
Lionel Messi (25 matches)
The Argentine star has broken numerous records at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He went on to become the leading goal scorer for Argentina in World Cup with 11 goals to his name. Messi is now tied with German legend Lothar Matthaus for most matches but is likely to overtake him when he appears for Argentina in the final of the World Cup against France in what will be his last World Cup game.
Lothar Matthaus (25 matches)
Lothar Matthaus, the captain of West Germany that won the World Cup in 1990, held the record for the most World Cup appearances by a player with 25 matches to his name. The 1990 Ballon d'Or winner not only had the World Cup title to his name but was also chosen as the Best FIFA Men's Player for the year 1991.
Miroslav Klose (24 matches)
With 16 goals in 24 games throughout four FIFA World Cups, German striker Miroslav Klose holds the record for most goals ever scored (2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014). At the time of his final World Cup in Brazil in 2014, he was 36 years old. He scored twice there to assist his country win the championship. He is third on the list for most matches played in World Cup.
Paolo Maldini (23 matches)
Paolo Maldini has played in 23 games in four World Cups for Italy, making him the player with the most appearances who has never won the championship. The Italian captain had to be content with a third place finish in the 1990 World Cup played in Italy. He came second to Brazil in the final of the 1994 World Cup hosted in the United States.
Cristiano Ronaldo (22 matches)
The striker has been weathering a storm recently after he had to leave Manchester United and was benched in Portugal's match in the quarterfinals. However, Ronaldo became the first male football player to score in five different World Cups when he netted a penalty in Portugal's 3-2 win against Ghana in their opening match. It made Ronaldo, 37, one of the oldest goal-scorers in FIFA World Cup history. He has played 22 matches in the World Cup.
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