Messi, Ronaldo and Ochoa set for World Cup milestone
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Guillermo Ochoa are on the verge of making World Cup history. The trio are set to become the first players to participate in six editions of the tournament. While Messi and Ronaldo have been mainstays for nearly two decades, Ochoa joins them as only the third player to reach this milestone. Their consistent presence highlights their enduring talent and impact on the global stage.
Match highlights
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be the first players to actively play in six World Cups, with Guillermo Ochoa joining them by being named in six squads.
- The trio debuted at Germany 2006 and have participated in every World Cup since, but Messi and Ronaldo have never faced each other in the tournament.
- Ronaldo became the first player to score in five different World Cups and has played 22 World Cup games, scoring eight goals and providing two assists.
- Messi holds the record for most World Cup matches played (26), most minutes (2,314), and is tied with Pele for most total goal contributions (21).
- Ochoa made his World Cup debut in Brazil 2014 and has since been Mexico’s first-choice goalkeeper, featuring in all group-stage matches at Qatar 2022.
