Mayra Madrigal
Over the years, Latin soccer players have earned a special place in international soccer history not only at the club level, but also at the national team level. World Cups are usually the dream scenario for any soccer player, since besides being able to earn a living doing what they love the most, the fact of being able to represent their country in the most important tournament is considered one of the greatest achievements.
We’ve seen a lot of players at World Cups throughout history, but some stand out for their extraordinary contributions, whether it’s goals, saves, plays, or achievements.
JefeBet has made a count of the Latin players who have played in the most World Cups in history. You’ll be surprised to know that, so far, only two of them have managed to participate in five World Cups, which is the highest number of presences in the history of FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup – Latin Players With Most World Cups Played
Antonio Carbajal – Mexico
Mexican Antonio Carbajal, who served as goalkeeper between 1942 and 1966, is one of the most historic goalkeepers not only in the Aztec country, but also worldwide. He became the first player in history to participate in five World Cups: Brazil 1950, Switzerland 1954, Sweden 1958, Chile 1962 and England 1966. He played a total of 11 games and conceded 25 goals during his time in goal for “El Tri” in the World Cup.
Rafael Márquez – Mexico
Rafael Márquez, who became known as one of the best Mexican defenders and who had a great performance during his time with FC Barcelona, is also part of this top 5 of Latin players with the most participations in World Cups. The Atlas native tied “Tota” Carbajal in the 2018 World Cup, as he completed then his fifth World Cup. The former captain of the Mexican National Team was part of the team in the World Cups of Korea-Japan 2002, Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018. Márquez played 19 games, scored three goals and provided two assists.
Lionel Messi – Argentina
Argentine striker Lionel Messi is considered one of the best soccer players in history, due to the feats he has achieved at club level during his time as a professional. He is close to reaching the select group of players who have played the most World Cup editions, as he will do so in Qatar 2022. For now, the Rosario-born player has been part of the Argentine team in the World Cups of Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018. He has a total of 19 games played, with six goals scored, making him the third-highest Argentine scorer in World Cups.
Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico
Like Messi, Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is set to play in his fifth World Cup in Qatar 2022. For now, he is among the five Latin American and Mexican players who have had the most appearances in World Cup tournaments. His first World Cup came in Germany in 2006, but he did not play any minutes, and the same thing happened in South Africa in 2010, where he was a substitute despite being part of the national team. In Brazil 2014 he shined with great saves, playing in all four of Mexico’s matches in that tournament, and the same happened in Russia 2018. In eight games in goal for El Tri in World Cups, he has conceded nine goals.
Andrés Guardado – Mexico
Mexican midfielder Andrés Guardado is close to playing his fifth and last World Cup with the Mexican National Team. The “zorro plateado” is one of the Aztec players who has made the most appearances, appearing in the World Cups in Germany in 2006, South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, and Russia in 2018. His record in World Cups is of 12 games played, with one goal and one assist.
