Argentinian striker Lionel Messi, holder in the semi-final against Croatia, has just equaled the record for the number of matches played in the World Cup, with 25 games. Messi thus joins the German Lothar Matthaüs, who also played 25 World Cup matches in five editions of the tournament, from 1982 to 1998.
The Argentina captain has also appeared in five World Cups. He played three matches in 2006, five in 2010, seven in 2014, four in 2018 and is preparing to play his sixth meeting in Qatar. He scored 10 goals in all in the event, including four this year. If he plays one more game, in the final on Sunday or in the match for third place on Saturday, Messi will become the sole holder of this record.
Klose, Maldini and Ronaldo follow
Behind Messi and Matthaüs, the third most capped player in the World Cup is the German Miroslav Klose (24 matches played). Italian Paolo Maldini played 23 and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo 22.
Against Croatia at the Lusail stadium, Messi is accompanied in attack tonight by young Julian Alvarez. Angel Di Maria is again a substitute and coach Lionel Scaloni has chosen to strengthen his midfield with the tenure of Leandro Paredes. In defense, the left side Nicolas Tagiafico logically replaces Marcos Acuna, who is suspended.
For the rest, the Argentine team is without surprise, like that of Croatia. The Croatian 11 is indeed exactly the same as in the quarter-final won against Brazil on penalties. Number 10 Luka Modric, 37, is obviously the starter in midfield, accompanied by Marcelo Brozovic and Matteo Kovacic.