Which Players Has Played Three FIFA World Cup Finals in History

sports history July 18, 2026 0 Comments

Which player has played three FIFA World Cup finals? Lionel Messi made history by becoming the 2nd player ever.

Lionel Messi once again rose to the occasion, producing two decisive assists as Argentina fought back to beat England 2-1 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.

Although the Argentine captain did not add to his tournament-leading goal tally, he played a pivotal role in the comeback. Messi set up Enzo Fernández for the equaliser in the 85th minute before delivering a perfectly weighted cross for substitute Lautaro Martínez, who headed home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.

The victory sends defending champion Argentina into the World Cup final, where it will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

The showdown will be Messi’s second consecutive World Cup final and the third of his illustrious career. His first appearance in the title match came in 2014, when Argentina narrowly lost 1-0 to Germany after extra time.

Only one player has previously appeared in three FIFA World Cup finals—Brazilian great Cafu, who featured in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 editions, winning the trophy in 1994 and 2002.

Argentina now has the opportunity to make history. A victory over Spain would see La Albiceleste become only the third nation to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup, joining Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).