Cristiano Ronaldo Trails Messi by Four World Cup Matches Ahead of 2026 Tournament

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to participate in their final FIFA World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The Argentine legend, Lionel Messi, currently holds the record for the most World Cup matches played, having appeared in 26 games throughout his career.

Following him is German player Lothar Matthäus with 25 matches, then Miroslav Klose with 24, Paolo Maldini with 23, and Cristiano Ronaldo with 22 appearances.

Among the active players expected to compete in the upcoming tournament, only Messi and Ronaldo have surpassed 20 World Cup matches.

Notable World Cup Appearances

The list also includes prominent players from various generations such as Diego Maradona, Maldini, Cafu, and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Top Players by World Cup Matches Played:

• 26 matches: Lionel Messi
• 25 matches: Lothar Matthäus
• 24 matches: Miroslav Klose
• 23 matches: Paolo Maldini
• 22 matches: Cristiano Ronaldo
• 21 matches: Diego Maradona
• 21 matches: Władysław Żmuda
• 20 matches: Cafu
• 20 matches: Hugo Lloris
• 20 matches: Philipp Lahm
• 20 matches: Javier Mascherano
• 20 matches: Bastian Schweinsteiger
• 20 matches: Grzegorz Lato

For the 2026 World Cup, Argentina will compete in Group 10 alongside Algeria, Jordan, and Austria. Portugal was drawn into Group 11, facing Uzbekistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Colombia.