Only four footballers have so far participated in five World Cups - Mexico's Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez, Germany's Lothar Matthaus, and Italy's Gianluigi Buffon
Messi has been in four World Cups to date, and when he takes the field on November 22 to play Saudi Arabia, he will join this league of extraordinary footballers to have featured in 5 World Cups.
Diego Maradona holds the record for the most matches played for Argentina in WC. Having played 21 games for his nation, Maradona produced some unforgettable moments for La Albiceleste
Messi has made 19 appearances for his country on the world stage and is expected to surpass Maradona's record during the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Italian legend Paulo Maldini has made 23 appearances for his country in the World Cup and has played for a record 2,217 minutes
Messi has played 1624 mins for Argentina in WC and to break Maldini's record, Messi will have to play every minute with a team that reaches the semifinals and then plays the finals
Argentine great Diego Maradona holds the record for most World Cup assists with eight assists
Messi has six assists to his name. The Argentina captain has an excellent opportunity of breaking this record in Qatar by picking up three more assists.
No player in FIFA WC history has clinched the Golden Ball twice. Messi bagged the honour in the 2014 edition of the showpiece event and will look to attain this trophy once again 2022 FIFA WC