Lionel Messi will equalize a historic World Cup record set by Diego Maradona

Lionel Messi is set to equalize a historic record set by Diego Maradona when Argetina take the field against Mexico for a Group Stage match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Saturday.

Messi, 35, will play in his 21st FIFA World Cup contest, equalizing the record set by Maradona for most World Cup games played by an Argentine player.

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Maradona, who died two years ago on this day [Nov. 25], reached the historic mark in four World Cups, one less than Messi.

Messi is already the Argentine player with the most international caps ever, but the World Cup is an entirely different ballgame.

Reaching Maradona in appearances on the sport's biggest stage will surely continue to forge Messi's legacy in his country.

Messi could also reach Maradona in WC goals

In a 1-2 loss to Saudi Arabia, Messi scored his seventh World Cup goal for Argentina, and he'll have a chance of tying Maradona against Mexico.

If Messi scores against Mexico, he'll be tied with Maradona and Guillermo Stabile for the second-most goals scored in World Cups by an Argentine.

Gabriel Batistuta leads that list with 10 goals, which Messi could also reach should Argentina continue past the Group Stage.

These records will mean very little to Messi if Argentina fails to win the World Cup in his last rodeo.

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