Messi beats Ronaldo to iconic World Cup record

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi made football history on Tuesday by becoming the first male player to play in six different World Cup tournaments. 

The legendary forward celebrated his record-breaking achievement by scoring a spectacular goal against Algeria in Kansas City to take his overall tally to 14.

The 38-year-old Inter Miami star reached the amazing milestone during his 200th career match for his national team. 

By stepping onto the field, Lionel Messi broke a famous tie with his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo and German legend Lothar Matthäus. 

Before this game, five players shared the record for playing in five different World Cups, but Messi has now claimed the top spot all by himself. 

To make the night even more special, Messi scored a brilliant wonderstrike to give Argentina the lead and delight fans in the stadium. 

This historic game was also Messi's 27th career World Cup match, extending his own record for the most appearances in tournament history. 

While Messi took the crown against Algeria, his Portuguese rival is already prepared to equal the historic achievement very soon. 

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play in his sixth World Cup when Portugal faces Congo DR in their opening match just one day later. 

Other football legends like Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa were also selected for six World Cup squads, but Ochoa did not actually get to play in two of those tournaments. 

Messi first started his incredible World Cup journey twenty years ago as a teenager during the 2006 tournament in Germany. 

Back then, the 18-year-old came off the bench and immediately scored and assisted during a dominant 6-0 victory against Serbia and Montenegro. Today, the legendary captain is still leading his country and breaking iconic records on the biggest stage.