Five players who have scored in four different FIFA World Cup editions

Lionel Messi joined the exclusive list with his goal against Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi's goal against Saudi Arabia made him just the fifth footballer to score in four different FIFA World Cup editions. Messi put Argentina ahead in the 10th minute from the penalty spot. Argentina, however, went on to lose the match by a 1-2 margin, with Saudi Arabia scoring twice in six minutes in the second half.

The FIFA World Cup remains arguably the pinnacle of the beautiful game, a festival of football where the planet’s most prominent stars compete for the chance to be crowned world champions. World Cup holds a special place in the heart of football fans for many reasons. Scoring in a World Cup match isn’t for everyone. Only a few players show consistency in scoring goals in different World Cup editions.

Here we take a look at five players who have scored in four different editions of the FIFA World Cup.

5. Pele

For football fans of a particular generation, Pelé will forever be remembered as the greatest footballer of all time. The Brazilian’s legend is built on his exploits on the world stage. Pele has achieved and made many records in his name, and some of his records will remain forever.

He enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in world football with the Brazilian national team. Pele won three FIFA World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970. The only player to ever do so. He scored in 1958, 1962, 1966 & 1970 World Cups.

4. Uwe Seeler

An icon of German football, Seeler was once his nation’s all-time record goalscorer. He played in four World Cups throughout his illustrious career – finding the net in each of them. The player was his country's most prolific scorer until the arrival of Gerd Muller.

Somewhat remarkably, both Seeler and Pelé became the first players to score in four World Cups on the same day. He scored in 1958, 1962, 1966 & 1970 World Cups.  Seeler also won the German Player of the year thrice.

3. Miroslav Klose

The highest goalscorer in World Cup history, Miroslav Klose scored prolifically on the international stage for Germany to become a world champion and the nation’s all-time record goalscorer. He was a star and a champion in the eyes of millions of Germans and people across the World.

Klose had his first World Cup appearance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He scored an unbeaten record of five goals, all from headers. In total, Klose scored in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cup editions.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is by far the best Portuguese in the history of Portugal. Ronaldo has enjoyed a career that will see him remembered as an all-time sporting great. Cristiano has enjoyed a magical career until now. He has etched his name in football history for all the things he did for the beautiful game. Cristiano Ronaldo became the fourth player in World Cup history to score a goal in four different editions of the tournament in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.

1. Lionel Messi

Messi is considered to be one of the best players who played this game. A man with many records, Messi scored his first goal against Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup and became only the fifth player to score at four different World Cups. The 2022 World Cup is likely to be his last world cup. He will try his best to win this prestigious tournament.