In the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Messi started, becoming the first player in history to start in three FIFA World Cup finals.

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, Argentina lost 0-1 to Germany, with Messi starting. Argentina lost the championship after Götze scored a golden goal in extra time.

In the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Argentina drew 3-3 with France, with Messi scoring twice and converting a penalty in the shootout. Argentina won 4-2 on penalties to claim their third star.

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, 39-year-old Messi started again, striving for his second individual FIFA World Cup trophy and third FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award.

Previously, the only player in history to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals was Brazilian right-back Cafu. In the 1994 FIFA World Cup final, Cafu replaced injured starting right-back Jorginho in the 21st minute. In the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, Cafu started both matches. In three FIFA World Cup finals, Cafu won two championships and was a runner-up once, and he was also the captain who lifted the trophy for the Brazilian team in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

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