His latest World Cup appearance, not only thanks to the trophy, is an appearance for the history books. The final was Lionel Messi’s 26th World Cup match – a record. With his goals in the final, the Argentine was also the first to score in every round of a World Cup final.
Right from the whistle, the World Cup final for Lionel Messi was truly historic. With his 26th World Cup appearance, he is ahead of Lothar Matthaus, who has played 25 World Cup matches together. Miroslav Klose has also attended 24 caps for Germany on a World Finals tour. With 22 World Cup appearances, Cristiano Ronaldo is the first active footballer after Messi, although it is highly doubtful he will still be part of the Portuguese selection in 4 years.
As if that wasn’t enough, Messi also became the first player ever to score in every round of a World Cup with his opening goal in the final against France. And they say Messi never scored a goal in a World Cup knockout match before this tournament. He also confirms his influence in Qatar, with 7 goals and 3 assists.
Messi will never become the top scorer of the World Cup, Miroslav Klose is still the crown with 16 goals. Messi scored 13 goals, making him Argentina’s top scorer at the World Cup finals. The Paris Saint-Germain striker has 8 assists in the five World Cups he has participated in.
The final match in Qatar is Messi’s 172nd international match. He has scored 98 goals for his country so far, with his last two goals coming in the final.
a look. Buenos Aires explodes after goals from Messi and Di Maria
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