Lionel Messi equaled the record for most appearances in World Cup knockout matches during the Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old moved level with German Miroslav Klose with his 14th appearance in an elimination match.
This was Messi’s second knockout match at this World Cup, having played and scored against Cape Verde in the Round of 32. He played four knockout matches each in the 2022 and 2014 editions, two at the 2010 World Cup and one each in 2018 and 2006.
Earlier in this World Cup, Messi had also passed Klose for the most goals in FIFA World Cup history. The German had 16 goals to his name and Messi overtook him during the match against Austria.
However, Messi did not get off to a great start to the occasion as he missed a penalty in the 21st minute, giving him the unwanted record for most missed penalties at the World Cup.
Published on July 7, 2026
