FIFA World Cup 2022 Special: 6 records that Lionel Messi can break today
Lionel Messi-led Argentina will lock horns against France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final today. Sadly, the striker has confirmed that this will be his final game for his nation. However, the star striker will continue his club career.
Argentina will play in their sixth World Cup final in the tournament's history, and Messi will be going for the first World Cup championship of his brilliant career.
Meanwhile, France is aiming to become the only third country to win back-to-back World Cups, alongside Brazil and Italy.
The Argentina captain displayed a marvellous performance during the FIFA World Cup 2022 and also played pivotal roles in his team's campaign to reach the final.
These are some incredible records that Messi could make and break during today’s final match.
Most wins by a football player in the World Cup:
Lionel Messi has won 16 matches in the FIFA World Cup tournaments, and if the Argentinian team wins today’s match, it will be the star striker’s 17th win. With this win, Messi will become the most winner of World Cup matches. Currently, Germany legend Miroslav Klose holds the record with 17 World Cup Match wins.
Most appearances by a football player in World Cup:
This record is seriously going to break today! Messi will become the most world cup appearances footballer with today's appearance, surpassing Germany's Lothar Matthaus (25 appearances).
Most minutes played in World Cup:
Messi is only 23 minutes away to claim this record. Italian legend Paolo Maldini has played the most minutes in World Cup history with 2,217 minutes. Messi has played a total of 2,194 minutes in the World Cup tournaments.
Most assists in World cup:
Currently, Brazil legend Pele holds the record for most assists in World Cup matches with 10 assists. Messi has performed nine assists in the matches. The 35-year-old striker can easily clinch this record by helping his teammates score at least two goals in today’s match.
Multiple Golden Ball awards:
The prestigious Golden Ball is awarded to the best all-round footballer in the World Cup. The Argentina striker already has one Golden Ball from the 2014 World Cup. If he manages to win the award in this World Cup, the 35-year-old will become the first player to win two 'Golden Ball'.
Winner of both Golden Boot and Golden Ball in World Cup:
The golden boot award is given to the highest goal scorer in World Cup matches. Messi and Mbappe are the leading goal-scorer in FIFA World Cup 2022 with five goals each, the former might surpass Mbappe and win the Golden Boot.
Most goal contributions:
Currently, Brazil legend Pele holds the record with 22 goal contributions including 12 goals and 10 assists across all Word Cup matches. Messi has 20 goal contributions including 11 goals and nine assists in FIFA World Cup tournaments.
