Messi matches Matthäus as player with most appearances at men's World Cup

Lionel Messi started Argentina's 3-0 World Cup semifinal against Croatia to add another record to his name. The ex-Barcelona forward has now matched German great Lothar Matthäus as the player with the most matches played in the history of the men's World Cup -- with 25 each.

However, Messi will leave Qatar as the only footballer in history to play 26 games in the finals with a final waiting against France or Morocco on Sunday.

The Argentina No.10 matched the German legend in the best possible way, too, with another goal, his fifth of the tournament, a fine assist for Julian Alvarez's second goal and another brilliant performance to qualify his country for the grand final.

In addition to surpassing Matthäus, Messi is looking to break another World Cup record in Qatar as well.

This one belongs to Paolo Rossi, who is the only player to win the World Cup, the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball at the same tournament. That was in Spain 1982, 40 years ago, with Italy.

For now, though, all Messi wants is for Argentina to win their third World Cup -- his first.