Messi during the 2026 World Cup final

Al Arabiya.net

Published: July 19, 2026: 11:43 PM GST Last updated: July 19, 2026: 11:48 PM GST

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Lionel Messi became the oldest player in history to play in a World Cup final, against Spain in the 2026 edition, breaking the record of Swedish player Gunnar Gren set in the 1958 final.

Messi played in the current final at the age of 39 years and 25 days, becoming the oldest player to participate in a final, snatching the record set by Swedish Gunnar Gren in the 1958 World Cup final when he was 37 years and 241 days old.

The Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff is considered the oldest player ever to participate in a World Cup final, in the 1982 edition when he was 40 years and 133 days old.

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