Messi to join Cafu in exclusive club: Argentine superstar to play third World Cup final

When Lionel Messi steps onto the MetLife Stadium pitch on Sunday for the World Cup final against Spain, he will etch his name alongside a Brazilian legend in the tournament’s history books.

The 39-year-old Argentine captain will become just the second player ever to appear in three World Cup finals, equaling the record set by former Brazil right-back Cafu.

Cafu’s Historic Run

Cafu’s journey began as a 24-year-old at the 1994 final in the Rose Bowl. He started on the bench but was thrust into action after 21 minutes when Jorginho suffered an injury. Brazil went on to beat Italy on penalties, and Cafu had his first winners’ medal.

Four years later in France, Cafu was an undisputed starter. But Brazil fell 3-0 to Zinedine Zidane’s hosts, leaving Cafu empty-handed.

The crowning moment came in 2002. Wearing the captain’s armband, Cafu led Brazil to a 2-0 victory over Germany in Yokohama, securing a fifth world title and cementing his place as the only man to have played in three finals.

For more than two decades, that record stood alone.

Messi’s Final Trilogy

Messi’s first final came at the Maracanã in 2014. Argentina fell 1-0 to Germany after extra time, with Mario Götze scoring the decisive goal in the 113th minute. Despite the heartbreak, Messi was named the tournament’s best player.

Eight years later, in Qatar, he finally lifted the trophy. Argentina drew 3-3 with France in one of the most dramatic finals ever played, then prevailed 4-2 on penalties. Messi scored twice and was again named Player of the Tournament – the only player to win the award twice.

Now, in 2026, he has a chance to add a second winners’ medal to his collection.

Elite Company

Others have reached three finals, but none have played in all of them. Pelé won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) but missed the 1962 final through injury. Ronaldo Nazário was part of Brazil’s 1994-winning squad but didn’t play in the final. Lothar Matthäus and Pierre Littbarski of Germany were unused substitutes in one of their three final appearances.

Messi and Cafu now stand alone – the only two players who have taken the field in three World Cup deciders.

Sunday’s final against Spain will be his 28th World Cup appearance, extending his own all-time record. He already holds the mark for most goals (21), most assists (9), and most Player of the Match awards.

Regardless of the result at MetLife Stadium, Messi has already secured his place alongside Cafu in one of football’s most exclusive clubs.