Lionel Messi has guided Argentina to a third World Cup final in the last four editions of the tournament. Now, by playing in a third tournament-deciding game, he’s surpassed all-time greats Pele and Diego Maradona.
Lionel Messi will likely start, and he’d be the only player to do so in three World Cup finals. Maradona played two, in 1986 and 1990. Meanwhile, Pele has three World Cup winning medals, but he only played in 1958 and 1970, as he was injured for the 1962 final matchup. Messi’s record in World Cup finals is also a talking point.
Messi was key for Argentina to reach the 2026 World Cup final, as he provided two assists for the Albiceleste to come back against a tough England side. Cafu is the only player to have participated in three separate World Cup finals, though he didn’t start in all three. He started in 1998 and 2002, and entered the game as a sub in 1994.
Messi could surpass Maradona with a win in another key stat, but still trail Pele
Maradona guided a very depleted Argentina side to the 1990 World Cup final. However, an 85th minute penalty goal by Germany sent the Argentinians home without the trophy. However, a win here would put Messi over Maradona with two World Cup titles.
Messi could surpass Maradona in World Cup wins, yet still trail Pele
As for Pele, he has three World Cup titles, so Messi would still leave the United States one short of the Brazilian superstar. Still, Pele won two playing, while the other was on the sidelines. Hence, in that regard Messi could tie him.
Messi would become the second-oldest player to win the World Cup
Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff is the oldest player to win a World Cup. He did it in Spain 1982 at 40 years old. Messi could become the second-oldest winner with 39 years of age, shall Argentina beat Spain in the World Cup final.
Messi has been in a vintage run as he’s scored eight goals and provided four assists en route to the World Cup final. Spain has only conceded once, so he is in for a huge test on July 19th if he wants to give Argentina a fourth World Cup title.
