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.