Messi breaks 'impossible' record previously held only by Cafú

The reigning world champions have secured their place in the final for the second consecutive time. Aiming to defend their title against Spain, all eyes are once again on the Argentine star, who continues to devour football history and could break yet another record. With this qualification, Leo Messi would become one of the only footballers to play in three World Cup finals, a historic feat previously achieved only by Cafú.

The Brazilian's path to glory began in the 1994 USA final against Italy. At that time, the full-back was a young man of just 24 years old who had not yet achieved the renown he enjoys today. Although he started the match on the bench, Jorginho's early injury midway through the first half opened the door for him to enter the field. Cafú embraced the challenge, played the remainder of the match, and ultimately lifted Brazil's fourth World Cup trophy in a historic final decided by a penalty shootout.

By the 1998 World Cup in France, Cafú had already become an undisputed pillar of the Brazilian national team. However, on the field, the outcome was very different from 1994: a French team led by Zidane stood in Brazil's way, denying the South Americans glory and leaving Cafú just short of a second title.

The crowning achievement of his World Cup career came in Korea and Japan in 2002. Wearing the captain's armband, Cafú led Brazil to the final against Germany, where they were crowned five-time champions after a 2-0 victory. He thus became the only player in history to play in three World Cup finals, a record that remains unbroken to this day.

Messi joins the 'list of geniuses'

The Argentine star has left his mark on the World Cups. Lionel Messi has played in six World Cups, a number he shares with other legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa. The Argentine played in his first World Cup at just 18 years old and, two decades later, he continues to be a key figure in the most important tournament in international football.

However, the world title eluded him and finally arrived after several attempts. He played his first final against Brazil in 2014. That day remains a bitter memory for Argentina, as they saw the title slip away against Germany with a 1-0 defeat in stoppage time.

But fate is capricious, and football owed Messi one. It was in Qatar 2022 when, after one of the most thrilling finals in recent memory and a memorable performance between Leo and Mbappé, Argentina won its third star. This coming Sunday will be the third final for the Argentine star. There, the 2026 World Cup champion will be crowned, but whatever happens, Messi has already etched his name in gold in the annals of football history.

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