Most appearances in FIFA World Cup finals by a football player
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo
- What
- 6 total number
- Where
- United States (Houston)
- When
- 17 June 2026
The most appearances in FIFA World Cup finals by a football player is 6, achieved by Lionel Messi (Argentina) between 2006 and 2026; and equalled by Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) between 2006 and 2026.
Messi and Ronaldo became the first players to feature in six World Cups during the first round of group games at the 2026 tournament. Argentina’s tie against Algeria was Messi’s 27th World Cup match – a record – while Ronaldo made his 23rd appearance during Portugal's clash against DR Congo. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was also selected for his sixth World Cup squad in 2026, but he didn’t play at the 2006 and 2010 tournaments.