Until Tuesday, German legend Lothar Matthaus was the participant who had performed probably the most World Cup video games in historical past. Now, he’ll share that honour with Lionel Messi, who may beat his tally if Argentina make the ultimate.
Matthaus‘ document of 25 video games performed on the largest stage has stood unchallenged since 1998, however Lionel Messimight be on the point of but extra historical past.
Messi‘s World Cup journey started, curiously, at Germany 2006, the place the Albiceleste fell by the hands of the hosts. Now at his fifth World Cup, he’s hoping for a second remaining and an opportunity to go all the way in which.
With 4 targets, two assists and three MVP awards thus far, that is Messi‘s greatest World Cup so far. A classic exhibiting from a person decided to place the right ending touches on his everlasting legacy.
World Cup leaders
Placing Messi to at least one aspect, the opposite high appearance-makers on the World Cup are Matthaus (25 video games), Miroslav Klose (24) and Paolo Maldini (23). Klose and Maldini wanted simply 4 tournaments to amass these numbers.
Matthaus made his appearances from 1982 to 1998, lifting the trophy in 1990. Curiously, although, he’s not the participant with probably the most World Cup minutes in historical past, with that honour belonging to Maldini.