Lionel Messi makes history: oldest outfield player in
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Lionel Messi, at 39 years and 25 days, breaks a new record by becoming the oldest outfield player to play in a World Cup final, surpassing the Swede Gunnar Gren. His teammate Nicolás Otamendi follows closely behind him, while names like Olivier Giroud and Miroslav Klose are also among the world finals veterans. Despite this record, goalkeeper Dino Zoff remains the oldest player to have played in a World Cup final, at 40 years and 133 days.
According to Vi.
Why it matters
Lionel Messi, at 39, makes history by becoming the oldest outfield player to play in a World Cup final, a feat which highlights not only his longevity, but also his continuing impact on world football. This record, which surpasses that of Gunnar Gren, testifies to the evolution of the sport and the ability of certain players to remain at the peak of their physical form well beyond middle age. The presence of Nicolás Otamendi alongside him reinforces the idea that Argentina has a generation of experienced players.
Key points
- Lionel Messi makes history: oldest field player in.
- Lionel Messi, at 39 years and 25 days, breaks a new record by becoming the oldest outfield player to play in a World Cup final, surpassing the Swede Gunnar Gren.
- We have a record for Messi: our last spell in the WK-finale.
Lionel Messi continues to make the history of world football. This Sunday, the Argentinian set a new record: he became the oldest field player to play in a World Cup final, showing 39 years and 25 days on the clock. This figure far exceeds the old mark, held since 1958 by the Swede Gunnar Gren, who played the final against Brazil at 37 years and 241 days.
This record takes on its full meaning in a context where longevity at the highest level remains a rarity. Gunnar Gren, who formed the famous Gre-No-Li trio with Nordahl and Liedholm, represents a distant era, but Messi has just surpassed it in this historic final. In addition, Argentina can boast of having two representatives on the podium for this longevity, since Nicolás Otamendi, 38, came into play against Spain to replace the injured Lisandro Martínez, allowing him to take second place in this hierarchy of elders.
The ranking of the oldest field players in the World Cup final also includes more recent names such as the French striker Olivier Giroud, or the German Miroslav Klose, both witnesses to the rarefaction of these physical exploits.
Image
However, also considering the goalkeepers, the absolute record remains the property of the legendary Dino Zoff. The Italian goalkeeper was 40 years and 133 days old during the famous 1982 final won by Italy against West Germany.
Messi does not stop there in the statistics: he also becomes only the second player in history to participate in three World Cup finals, a feat already achieved by Cafú. The Brazilian had won two trophies out of three, which Messi will try to match.
During this World Cup, Lionel Messi has already scored eight goals, continuing his long-distance duel with Kylian Mbappé, who is ahead of him by two goals. The performance of the Argentine captain therefore continues to be part of the legend, between records of precocity and longevity.
The Messi legend seems set to mark even new chapters in the history of football.
The rest
With this new record, expectations around Lionel Messi will inevitably increase, particularly regarding his performance in upcoming international competitions. As Argentina continues to shine on the world stage, fans are hoping to see Messi prolong his career and potentially aim for another title at the next World Cup. The current dynamic of the team, with veterans like Otamendi, could also influence the coach's tactical choices for future tournaments.
Frequently asked questions
What record did Lionel Messi set in the World Cup final?
Lionel Messi became the oldest outfield player to play in a World Cup final, at 39 years and 25 days.
Who held the previous age record in a World Cup final?
The previous record was held by the Swede Gunnar Gren, who played the final at 37 years and 241 days.
Why is this record significant now?
This record is significant in a context where longevity at the highest level is rare, and Messi has surpassed a mark dating from 1958.
What changes took place in the ranking of the oldest outfield players in the final?
Nicolás Otamendi, aged 38, also entered the game,
taking second place in this hierarchy of deans.
What other feat did Messi achieve in this final?
Messi became only the second player in history to appear in three World Cup finals, a feat already achieved by Cafú.
Related Articles
Frequently asked questions
📰Related articles
- Video: France–England, a 10-goal classic for the little girl
- 2026 World Cup: the refugee stars of the tournament
- World Cup final: the meeting ends in a stampede, Leandro
- World Cup: how Kylian Mbappé can win the Golden Shoe
- World Cup memory: Argentina – England, an eighth of
- 2026 World Cup: immersion behind the scenes of the flags
- Germany, Netherlands and Japan featured on the 10th day of the
- Erling Haaland sends a touching message after the elimination of the
- Norway: Solbakken hails a tactical victory against Brazil and puts
- Erling Haaland enjoys vacation in Sicily after the World Cup,