All players to feature in three FIFA World Cup finals ft. Cafu
Only a handful of players have won more than one FIFA World Cup.
Only one individual has participated in three World Cup finals since the competition’s inception in 1930. But this achievement is soon to be repeated by another great football player.
There is currently just one player who has participated in three FIFA World Cup finals. A new player is on the verge of matching that record. We examine players who have participated in three FIFA World Cup finals.
Players to feature in three FIFA World Cup finals
| S.No. | Player Name | Year of World Cup final appearance |
| 1 | Cafu | 1994, 1998, 2002 |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | 2014, 2022, 2026 |
Cafu: 1994, 1998, 2002
Cafu played for his country in four FIFA World Cups from 1994 to 2006.
However, Cafú has made the most appearances in men’s World Cup finals. He participated in three title deciders from 1994 to 2002.
His first World Cup triumph came in 1994. However, the player suffered a disappointment when Brazil lost the 1998 final. He made amends by leading the Selecao to their fifth and his second World Cup in 2002.
Since then, Brazil have not won a World Cup championship.
Lionel Messi: 2014, 2022, 2026
Messi’s first FIFA World Cup final occurred in 2014. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had a disappointing start in the world’s most important game. Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, with Mario Götze scoring the game-winning goal in extra time.
But eight years later, Messi had a more successful second FIFA World Cup final. He won his first World Cup winner’s medal in an exciting encounter against France in Qatar, helping Argentina win its third World Cup. Messi calmly netted his penalty in a 4-2 shootout victory for the South Americans after scoring twice in a 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium.
La Albiceleste will play Spain for the 2026 title at MetLife Stadium. The 39-year-old set up both goals in Wednesday’s 2-1 semifinal victory over England. Messi is prepared to add to the two finals already on his outstanding record.
Also read: Argentina’s road to Finals of FIFA World Cup 2026
How many FIFA World Cups has Cafu won?
He has won two World Cups.
How many FIFA World Cups has Messi won?
He has won the World Cup only once.
Which players have featured in three FIFA World Cup finals?
Cafu. Lionel Messi will be the second player if he features in Sunday’s final.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.