Lionel Messi sets two World Cup records despite Argentina's final defeat

EAST RUTHERFORD: Lionel Messi added another remarkable milestone to his legendary career despite Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final here at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

The Argentina captain became the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a FIFA World Cup final at the age of 39 years and 25 days, surpassing Sweden's Gunnar Gren, who was 37 years and 241 days when he played against Brazil in the 1958 showpiece.

The Inter Miami forward also became only the second player in football history to feature in three World Cup finals.

Messi reached the tournament's decider in 2014, 2022 and 2026, matching the feat achieved by Brazilian great Cafu, who appeared in the finals of 1994, 1998 and 2002.

The record-breaking appearance, however, ended in disappointment as Argentina were beaten 1-0 after extra time by Spain, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to hand La Roja their second World Cup title.

Messi captained Argentina throughout the tournament and once again led his side onto football's biggest stage, extending a career already filled with individual and team honours.

His latest final appearance came 12 years after his first in 2014, when Argentina lost to Germany, and four years after lifting the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Despite the defeat, Messi's appearance further cemented his place among the greatest players in the sport's history.

His longevity at the highest level allowed him to rewrite another World Cup record while joining an exclusive group of players to have contested three finals.

Although Argentina fell short of retaining the title, Messi's historic achievement ensured his name was once again etched into the World Cup record books.