Lothar Matthaus had every reason to be disappointed when Lionel Messi broke his long-standing record for the most FIFA World Cup™ appearances at Qatar 2022.
However, the German legend could not have been more gracious in his praise for Messi, acknowledging the Argentine’s incredible contribution to football.
Taking the field against France in the final at Lusail Stadium, Messi surpassed Matthaus’s record by making his 26th World Cup appearance. The previous milestone had stood since 1998 when Matthaus capped off his fifth tournament with 25 matches under his belt. Messi’s road to this historic feat had been filled with challenges, but he celebrated in style, leading Argentina to a thrilling victory over France, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
“Messi is the absolute winner,” Matthaus told Bild. “He deserves this moment because he has given me and all football fans immense joy with his skills and performances over the past 17-18 years.”
Messi’s World Cup journey began at Germany 2006, when he debuted as an 18-year-old substitute in Argentina’s dominant 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro. With Diego Maradona watching from the stands, Messi made an immediate impact, assisting Hernan Crespo’s goal before scoring one himself just minutes later. This early brilliance made Messi the sixth-youngest scorer in tournament history.
At South Africa 2010, Messi had firmly secured his place in Argentina’s starting XI, making five appearances as his team progressed through the group stage before suffering another heartbreaking quarter-final exit to Germany. Despite being the team’s creative force, Messi failed to score in the tournament, adding to his World Cup frustrations.
By Brazil 2014, Messi was at his peak. He netted four goals and provided an assist, winning the adidas Golden Ball as Argentina reached the final. However, the dream was shattered once more, as they narrowly lost to Germany. It was another case of so close, yet so far for Messi and his compatriots.
Following a brief international retirement in 2016, Messi returned to lead Argentina at Russia 2018. But the struggles continued, with Argentina bowing out in the round of 16 to eventual champions France. Messi managed just one goal in four appearances, intensifying the pressure to finally deliver World Cup glory.
Then came Qatar 2022, where Messi’s fairytale was finally written. At 35 years old, he played with the poise and brilliance that had defined his career. Scoring seven goals, including two in the final, Messi propelled Argentina to World Cup triumph in what was his record-breaking 26th appearance. It was the crowning moment of an unparalleled career, ensuring that Messi’s name will forever be etched in football’s history books.
