Argentine striker Lionel Messi, who started in the semi-final against Croatia, has just equaled his record for most games played in the World Cup, with 25 games. Messi thus joins German Lothar Matthaüs, who also played 25 World Cup matches in five editions of the tournament, from 1982 to 1998.
The Argentina captain also appeared in five World Cups. He played three matches in 2006, five in 2010, seven in 2014, four in 2018 and is preparing to play his sixth match in Qatar. He scored 10 goals in all in the event, including four this year. If he plays one more match, whether in Sunday’s final or Saturday’s third-place match, Messi will become the sole holder of this record.
Followed by Klose, Maldini and Ronaldo
After Messi and Matthaüs, the third most capped player at the World Cup is German Miroslav Klose (24 games played). Italian Paolo Maldini played 23 games and Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo 22.
Against Croatia at Lusail, Messi is accompanied in attack tonight by young Julian Alvarez. Angel Di Maria is again a substitute and manager Lionel Scaloni has opted to strengthen his midfield with Leandro Paredes in charge. In defence, left-back Nicolas Tagiafico logically replaces the suspended Marcos Acuna.
For the rest, the Argentine team is without surprises, like that of Croatia. The Croatian 11 is in fact exactly the same as in the quarter-final win against Brazil on penalties. Number 10 Luka Modric, 37, is obviously a starter in midfield, accompanied by Marcelo Brozovic and Matteo Kovacic.
