Messi will make the record if Argentina plays the final
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi stands in front of a unique record in Qatar World Cup. Argentina fans around the world are looking up to Messi. Everyone believes that Messi can become another Maradona and give the country the World Cup trophy after 1986. Messi has that ability.
Messi, the biggest football star on the planet, has a unique opportunity to take the record for the most World Cup appearances. Messi has participated in four World Cups and played 19 matches so far. Germany's Lothar Mathews holds the record for playing the most 25 matches. Mathews played a total of 25 matches in five World Cups.
Messi's Argentina will start the World Cup mission with a match against Saudi Arabia on November 22. If the '86 champions reach the final and Messi plays all the matches, his tally will be 26. The Argentine star will set a new world record by playing one match more than Lothar Mathews.
Even if he does not reach the final, Messi will have the opportunity to play 7 matches in this World Cup. Although Argentina is eliminated from the semi-finals, they will play the third place match. If Messi plays in the final or third place match, he will become the most capped footballer in the history of World Cup football. That is, he can make this record only by reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup.
If he breaks the record of Lothar Mathews, Messi will also break another record before that. Diego Maradona holds the record for playing the most World Cup matches in Argentina's jersey. He played 21 matches. If Messi plays three matches in the group stage, he will surpass compatriot Maradona.
Messi's matches in the group stage are - November 22 against Saudi Arabia, November 26 against Mexico and November 30 against Poland.
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