HOUSTON: Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo matched Argentina captain Lionel Messi’s record for most FIFA World Cup appearances during his side’s clash against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Ronaldo joined Messi in a record six World Cup appearances. The pair now jointly hold the record for the most tournament appearances in football history.
The 41-year-old made his debut in 2006 and went on to feature in the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions, matching rival Messi.
Most FIFA World Cup Appearances
Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 6 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026*)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — 6 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026*)
Lothar Matthaus (Germany) — 5 (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998)
Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 4 (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
Paolo Maldini (Italy) — 4 (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002)
Messi continues to hold the record for the most FIFA World Cup matches with 27 appearances, while Ronaldo is tied for fourth place overall with 23 appearances.
Most FIFA World Cup matches played:
Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 27* matches
Lothar Matthaus (Germany) — 25 matches
Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 24 matches
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — 23* matches
Paolo Maldini (Italy) — 23 matches
Diego Maradona (Argentina) —21
Nonetheless, Cristiano Ronaldo had a disappointing start to his record FIFA World Cup campaign as DR Congo held his side to a 1-1 draw.
Ronaldo looked like a peripheral figure throughout the match as Portugal’s strategy of holding the ball for too long without any attempts proved costly.
Eventually, DR Congo secured historic World Cup point after appearing in the tournament for the first time in 52 years.
