Representing your country is perhaps the ultimate honour in football, and no players have done so more times this century than this lost.
As we embrace the international break, we’ve looked at the players with the most international caps this century.
5. Maynor Figueroa – Honduras (181)
The former Wigan Athletic left-back became Honduras’ all-time record appearance maker during an international career that spanned 19 years. Figueroa was part of the Honduras side that reached back-to-back editions of the World Cup in 2010 and 2014, having qualified for just one tournament prior.
4. Andres Guardado – Mexico (182)
Another international career that lasted almost two decades, Andres Guardado won 182 caps for Mexico between 2005 and 2024. The midfielder is one of just eight players to have played in five World Cups, of which 50% are Mexican.
Guardado won three CONCACAF Gold Cup trophies with the national team and was named winner of the Golden Ball during Mexico’s 2015 triumph.
3. Luka Modric – Croatia (191)
Luka Modric is recognised as the greatest Croatian footballer of all time, a significant status given the quality of player the nation has produced. Modric has won 191 caps and counting for the national team and has been the inspiration behind their success on the international stage.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, having won the Golden Ball accolade as Croatia reached the World Cup final. Modric also shone as Croatia finished third at the 2022 tournament. Since making his debut in 2006, Modric has won the Croatian Footballer of the Year award a record-breaking 13 times.
190 matches with Croatia ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FxzGlFX6ox
— Salma (@salModric) September 8, 2025
2. Lionel Messi – Argentina (194)
Lionel Messi is also closing in on 200 international appearances, with the 2026 World Cup perhaps presenting a farewell tournament to the Argentine icon. Messi’s international career has proven to be a rollercoaster, with several high-profile disappointments contributing to a brief retirement.
Fortunately, he returned for La Albiceleste to lead a remarkable era. After breaking his tournament drought with Copa America success in 2021, he led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup in memorable fashion. Messi won the Golden Ball – becoming just the second player to win the award twice – and scored twice in the final win over France.
A second Copa America arrived in 2024, with the latter period of his international career delivering silverware success. He’s made 194 appearances for Argentina and scored 114 goals, while no player has played more World Cup matches than Messi.
On this day 2022 – Messi, Qatar, and the fulfilment of a football fairytale
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal (223)
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances and goals in men’s international football history. Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and remains the talisman of the national side 22 years later.
He’s scored 141 goals for Portugal and captained the nation to a first-ever major trophy with success at Euro 2016. Two Nations League wins have followed, while next summer will represent perhaps the final chance for Ronaldo to land an elusive World Cup.
Providing both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo make it to the 2026 World Cup, they’ll jointly make history as the first players to ever feature at SIX World Cups 😳🔥
Two icons meeting in North America for one last dance on the biggest possible stage, who says no❓🤩… pic.twitter.com/VFShgqmetu
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 9, 2025
He’s played at a record six European Championships and could play at a sixth World Cup in 2026.
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