Messi sets another World Cup record — most knockout stage appearances

Lionel Messi just added another historic milestone to his legendary World Cup career. In the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland, the Argentina captain played his 15th match in the knockout rounds, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 14. At 39, Messi is competing in his sixth World Cup, and this quarterfinal appearance was his 32nd overall in the tournament — already an all-time high. The forward has been rewriting the record books with every game, and this latest feat cements his status as the player with the most knockout matches in World Cup history. Argentina faced Switzerland with a place in the semifinals on the line, and once again Messi found himself at the center of history.