In Pics | Players who have played five World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo recently made a record, scoring in all five World Cups he has appeared in. The Portuguese forward - who courted controversy with the explosive Manchester United exit in the opening days of the 2022 FIFA World Cup - is living up to his statement that he does not chase records, records chase him. The 37-year-old is also among the few players to have appeared in five World Cups, on a list that includes names like Lionel Messi and 1990 World Cup winner Lothar Matthäus. 

Antonio Carbajal came to be known as 'El Cinco Copas' for appearing in five World Cups. The Mexican goalkeeper made his international debut in the 1950 World Cup, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in that year's tournament. He then appeared in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups before helping Mexico win its first World Cup match in 1962. Credit: Getty Images

Lothar Matthäus played for West Germany and post unification too. He first appeared in the 1982 World Cup and then in 1986 where they lost to Maradona's Argentina. Lothar would get even in 1990, as Germany beat the Alibicelestes. His final appearance was in the 1998 World Cup. Credit: Twitter/rLMatthaeus10

Rafael Márquez made his first World Cup appearance for Mexico in 2006, and captained the team in 2010. He went on to appear in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups too. Credit: Twitter/RafaMarquezMX

Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 and since then has gone from strength to strength. Despite a glittering career, the biggest international prize has eluded the little magician from Argentina. The Qatar edition marks Messi's final World Cup appearance and Argentina's campaign has been off to a bad start with a loss to Saudi Arabia. However, Messi and the team will be looking past their defeat and to getting back to their unbeaten form as they face Mexico. Credit: Reuters Photo

The other man named in the name breath as Messi is Portugal's Ronaldo, who also first appeared in the 2006 World Cup and will probably be playing his last this year. He's already making waves, having scored one against Ghana from the pebnalty spot, much like Messi. However, with his explosive Manchester United exit and club future in doubt, Ronaldo has a lot to prove at the international stage. Credit: AFP Photo