Argentine star Lionel Messi continued to break records by playing in the match against Spain on Sunday evening in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

By being in the starting lineup of his national team, Messi became the oldest outfield player to participate in a World Cup final, at 39 years and 25 days old.

The Argentine captain also became only the second player to participate in three different finals (2014, 2022, and 2026) after Brazilian legend Cafu (1994, 1998, and 2002).

Argentine legend Messi also made history in grand style on Sunday, after equaling Brazilian Cafu's record as the player with the most appearances in World Cup finals.

Cafu played in three consecutive finals in 1994 as a substitute, 1998, and 2002 as captain of the Seleção in Brazil's last World Cup title.

By playing against Spain, Messi equaled Cafu after having played in the final twice in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Argentina lost to Germany by a goal after extra time.

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"Leo" compensated for his disappointment by winning the 2022 Qatar World Cup title at the expense of France on penalties after the match ended 3-3 in regular and extra time in an unforgettable encounter at Lusail Stadium.

Messi scored 8 goals in this edition to finish second in the race for the top scorer behind Frenchman Kylian Mbappé who scored 10 goals.

The Argentine magician also ranks second in the all-time World Cup scorers list with 21 goals in 6 World Cup appearances, with Mbappé ahead of him as well, having scored 22 goals in 3 World Cup appearances.

Messi and his teammates aim to win the World Cup for the second consecutive time and the fourth in their country's history, while the Spanish dream of a second star after their first title in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.