Frank Christian
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the longest-serving players in World Cup history.
With the 2026 World Cup set to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, it could be their final opportunity to participate. Messi will be 39 and Ronaldo will be 41 during the tournament, making their involvement uncertain.
This raises the question: Who holds the record for the most World Cup appearances and matches played among male players?
Here’s the current status as of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
All-Time Men’s World Cup Participation Record
Messi currently has the highest number of World Cup matches played, with Ronaldo trailing close behind by four matches.
Top Male Players by FIFA World Cup Appearances
*Bold indicates active player
| Player | Games | Years |
| Lionel Messi (ARG) | 26 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 |
| Lothar Matthaus (GER) | 25 | 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 |
| Miroslav Klose (GER) | 24 | 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 |
| Paolo Maldini (ITA) | 23 | 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) | 22 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 |
During the 2026 tournament, players on teams reaching the final could play up to eight matches, an increase from the usual seven due to the expansion to 48 teams and an additional Round of 32.
If Portugal makes it to the World Cup and Ronaldo is selected, he could move to second on the all-time list by participating in every match.
Messi and Ronaldo’s World Cup Participation History
Both Messi and Ronaldo have participated in five World Cups each, appearing in the editions held in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
If they both compete in 2026, they will have participated in six tournaments, setting a new record.
Men with the Most World Cup Tournaments Played
Alongside Messi and Ronaldo, four other players have played in five World Cups: Lothar Matthaus and Mexican players Antonio Carbajal, Andres Guardado, and Rafael Marquez.
At 38, Guardado may join them for a sixth tournament, while Marquez, now an assistant coach for Mexico, will not return as a player.
Goalkeepers Gianluigi Buffon and Guillermo Ochoa have also competed in five tournaments, although Buffon played in only four and Ochoa in three.
Chances of Messi and Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup
While both players will be 41 and 39, respectively, their exceptional skills may still convince national coaches to select them, even if their playing time is reduced.
Although neither has confirmed participation, fans anticipate they will be part of the North American World Cup if they remain fit.
There’s also the significant factor of qualifying. Argentina is typically a strong contender, having missed the World Cup only four times and currently leading the CONMEBOL qualifiers after seven matches. Portugal will seek to qualify among the 16 teams from Europe, with groups to be determined in December 2024.
