Lionel Messi became the first man to start in three World Cup finals, after starting for Argentina in their 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The 39-year-old Messi, who captained Argentina as they sought back-to-back World Cup triumphs, is also the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final.
Brazilian great Cafu previously played in three straight finals between 1994 and 2002 but did not start in '94.
The Argentina talisman has already had his most productive World Cup so far, having recorded eight goals and four assists, although he was held mostly quiet by a dominant Spain defense at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Kylian Mbappé ultimately won the Golden Boot race with 10 goals and four assists, but the race was closely contested throughout the tournament, as was the competition for the most goals ever at a World Cup. Mbappé now holds that record with 22, one ahead of Messi, who has 21 during his World Cup career.
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FIFA's rules state that if two players are tied on most goals, then their assist total will be used as a decider. If the assist totals are also the same, then the player who has played fewer minutes at the tournament will be ranked first.
ESPN Global Research contributed to this report.
