Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are, unsurprisingly, two of the most successful World Cup players of all time.
With the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico likely to be the last chance for each to play another game, it remains to be seen whether Messi, who will be 39 at the next tournament, and Ronaldo, who will 41. years in the next tournament. start, it will be included.
So who has participated in the most World Cup so far among male players? And Who has played at the most World Cups?
Who has played at the most World Cups? Record for men
Messi holds the record for men's FIFA World Cup appearances, while Ronaldo is the closest active player to him, four games behind.
Male players who have played in the most FIFA World Cup
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 |
In the 2026 tournament, there will be a maximum of eight matches for players whose country reaches the final, as long as they take part in every match.
This is one more than the usual maximum of seven per tournament, thanks to the expansion to 48 teams and the addition of the round of 16.
Ronaldo could move to second on the list if Portugal were to participate, call up a 41-year-old Ronaldo and play him in all three group games, as well as in the round of 16 if he qualifies.
How many World Cups have Messi and Ronaldo played in?
Messi and Ronaldo have each appeared in five World Cups during their careers, each taking part in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
If one of them participates in the North American edition in 2026, it will have participated in six editions, which constitutes a new historical record.
Most FIFA World Cup tournaments are played by men
Six men have competed in five different World Cup tournaments: Messi, Ronaldo, Lothar Matthaus, and the Mexican trio of Antonio Carbajal, Andres Guardado, and Rafael Marquez.
Guardado, 38, could also take part in a record sixth tournament alongside Ronaldo and Messi. Marquez could take part in his current role as Mexico's assistant coach, but his playing career is over after Russia 2018.
Goalkeepers Gianluigi Buffon and Guillermo Ochoa have also participated in five different tournaments, but the Italian has participated in only four of them and the Mexican in only three.
Are Ronaldo and Messi likely to play in the 2026 World Cup?
Although they are 41 and 39 years old respectively, their generational talent will not be rejected by their national coach if he is available, even if their roles are reduced compared to previous editions.
Neither has yet guaranteed it will be, but if they are fully fit, most expect them to make it to North America.
The next big hurdle is of course the qualification.
Argentina has lost the World Cup only four times and is expected to participate in the expanded tournament in 2026, as they top the CONMEBOL qualifying group after seven games.
Portugal, meanwhile, is hoping to be among the 16 European nations to qualify for the qualifying groups to be played in December 2024.
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