Argentine legend Lionel Messi has added another match to his historic record, leading the Argentina national team against Cape Verde in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, reaching his 30th match in the tournament and extending his record as the most-capped player in World Cup history.
Messi had already claimed the top spot for the most matches played in World Cups, surpassing the previous record held by German Lothar Matthäus (25 matches), and continues to widen the gap with his 30th appearance in the "Albiceleste" jersey.
The Argentina captain is participating in his sixth World Cup, having played in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions, and is now continuing to make history in the 2026 World Cup, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Messi will have the opportunity to lead his country to the quarter-finals, aiming to add another achievement to his legendary career while continuing to break records in the biggest football stage for national teams.
