Ekhbary News Agency | May 15, 2024
Argentina's national team secured its place in the 2026 World Cup final, marking its second consecutive appearance in the championship match after a thrilling 2-1 victory over England. With this qualification, captain Lionel Messi etched his name further into football's record books, equaling the historic milestone previously held solely by Brazilian legend Cafu. Both players now stand as the only individuals in the sport's history to have actively participated on the field in three World Cup finals.
Messi's Enduring World Cup Legacy
Messi's upcoming final in 2026 will be his third, following the 2014 final in Brazil, where Argentina suffered a defeat to Germany, and the memorable 2022 final in Qatar, where he led his nation to glory against France in a dramatic penalty shootout. It's fair to say, this consistent presence at the pinnacle of global football underscores his exceptional career. The Argentine star has also featured in six World Cup editions, a record he shares with other luminaries like Cristiano Ronaldo, further cementing his status among the game's all-time greats.
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Cafu: Brazil's Pioneering Defender
Brazilian full-back Cafu was the first to achieve this remarkable feat. His journey began at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where he came on as a substitute in the final against Italy, contributing to Brazil's title win. He then played a pivotal role in the 1998 final in France, which the Seleção lost to the host nation, before captaining Brazil to their fifth World Cup title in the 2002 final held in South Korea and Japan. This crucial detail of active participation in all three finals distinguishes Messi and Cafu from other football giants who were part of squads but did not play in every final match.
