Lionel Messi sets yet another record at the 2022 World Cup
The Rosarino is now on the all-time podium for the number of World Cup appearances (23).
Leo Messi has moved onto the podium in World Cup history for games played, second only to Germany's Lothar Matthäus and Miroslav Klose.
Messi played his 23rd game at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan on Saturday and is on course to move into first place in the all-time table.
The Argentina captain drew level with Italy's Paolo Maldini and moved to within one of Klose, whom he will catch in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final against the Netherlands, and two behind Matthaus.
Messi made his debut in the Albiceleste's second World Cup match in Germany, played at the Schalke Arena in Gelsenkirchen, against Serbia and Montenegro, whom they defeated 6-0.
He came on for Maxi Rodríguez in the 75th minute and was in charge of closing out the game for José Pekerman's side.
He was 19 years old and only started one of the three games he played in, unlike what happened after South Africa 2010 under Diego Maradona.
The Argentine 10 is playing his fifth World Cup finals this year, like Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who follows him among those who are present in the current edition with twenty matches.
The Portuguese will play his 21st against Switzerland on Monday.
In total Messi has won 15 of the games he has played, drawn three and lost the other five, most recently the opener against Saudi Arabia.
He has scored nine and is now just one behind Gabriel Batistuta.
