Which player has made the most FIFA World Cup appearances?

Lionel Messi has made the most FIFA World Cup appearances, with 26 matches.

Messi reached 26 appearances for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He played in five tournaments: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022.

His 26th appearance came in the 2022 final against France. Argentina won on penalties after a 3–3 draw, giving Messi his first World Cup title. He also became the first player to win the Golden Ball twice, having previously received it in 2014.

Germany’s Lothar Matthäus previously held the appearance record with 25 matches. The statistic counts finals-tournament appearances, not qualifying matches. Messi’s total also reflects unusual longevity: he played at five World Cups across 16 years.