Most appearances in a FIFA World Cup Final Match

The most appearances in a FIFA World Cup final is 3, achieved by Cafu (b. Marcos Evangelista de Moraes, Brazil) in 1994, 1998 and 2002; and equalled by Lionel Messi (Argentina) in 2014, 2022 and 2026.

Brazilian full-back Cafu appeared as a substitute in the 1994 FIFA World Cup final, which Brazil won on penalties after a 0–0 draw with Italy. Cafu started in the 1998 final, a 3–0 loss to France, and was captain when Brazil defeated Germany 2–0 in 2002.

Lionel Messi appeared in his first World Cup final in 2014, when Argentina lost 1–0 to Germany. He lifted the trophy in 2022, after beating France on penalties, before suffering another 1–0 defeat to Spain in 2026.