Lionel Messi has set yet another record as he became the player with the most appearances at a World Cup following his involvement in Sunday's final.
The Argentine is hoping to lead his country to a first global success since 1986 when they take on France in Lusail, but by taking to the pitch has already set a new record of 26 appearances at the finals. His semi-final appearance saw him equal Lothar Matthaus' haul of 25.
Now he has set himself apart from the rest whilst playing at his fifth World Cup. Matthaus also played a five tournaments for Germany, beginning in 1982 and finishing in 1998, which included victory over Argentina in the 1990 final. Messi's first appearance came in the 2006 tournament as a teenager.
The PSG star has announced that this will be his last World Cup at the age of 35 and is looking to go out on a high. His best effort to date was his final appearance eight years ago, but Argentina were undone by Germany in extra-time.
Messi's great rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, also appeared at his fifth World Cup in Qatar, albeit he enjoyed far less success. His tournament ended in the last eight amid headlines of his selection omission. The former Manchester United star made 22 appearances across his five tournaments.
Messi has already enjoyed a sensational tournament, scoring five times to leave him level with Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot. His efforts in front of goal mean he has now scored 11 times at a World Cup - a national record, which he assumed from Gabriel Batistuta.
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Batistuta said on the achievement: "[Messi breaking the record] didn't hurt me at all because I enjoyed it while I had it Leo deserves this. If there's one person who has to be up there, it's him. Messi is not an alien, he is a human being who plays better football than anyone else. When that person exceeds you, you can't suffer, he just gives you pleasure."
For many Messi has cemented himself as the greatest individual to play the game, even if he has been unable to match the achievement of his compatriot Diego Maradona. A World Cup success would see the Barcelona legend land the only prize that has so far evaded him.
Last summer Messi finally ended the international trophy drought - something that was regularly held against him. He helped Argentina beat Brazil in the Copa America final at the Maracana with Angel di Maria netting the winner.
