Lionel Messi finally did it in 2022, officially cementing his name as one of the greatest to ever kick a ball, right up there with his countryman Diego Maradona as an all-time 'GOAT'. Argentina snagged their third World Cup title, their first since way back in 1986 in Mexico, and you know everyone in France was probably still fuming after Kylian Mbappe and the crew came so close.
The Recent Triumphs and Heartbreak
Think about it: France took the trophy home in 2018, just four years before that epic final with Argentina. And before them? Germany got their hands on it in 2014 thanks to Mario Gotze's absolute cracker of a winner. These tournaments are always a nail-biter, always setting up the next big showdown. It’s a constant battle for supremacy, and every four years, we get another chapter in who gets to hoist that iconic trophy.The GOATs of the Past and Their Dominance
But let's not forget where it all began. Uruguay won the very first World Cup back in 1930, beating out Argentina in that final, and they did it again in 1950. They're one of six squads to win multiple World Cups, a pretty exclusive club that includes Italy, France, Brazil, Germany, and Argentina. Italy pulled off back-to-back wins in 1934 and 1938, laying down an early marker for dominance. West Germany was a beast in the 70s and 80s, trading wins with Argentina and Italy, while Brazil went on a wild run through the 50s, 60s, 70s, and then again in the 90s and 2000s, stacking up title after title. Only England in 1966 and Spain in 2010 have managed to grab a single title each, proving just how hard it is to get to the top.The Untouchable Record
And when you look at the full list of champions, one team still stands head and shoulders above everyone else. Brazil has a ridiculous five World Cup titles to their name, grabbing wins in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. Nobody else comes close. Germany and Italy are tied at four each, with Argentina trailing at three, and France and Uruguay each holding two. That five-title mark from Brazil is the ultimate flex in international soccer, a number that has remained unchallenged for years. Seriously, it's wild how dominant they've been. So, with the 2026 World Cup qualification hub already buzzing and the tournament itself a mere 100 days away, the question is simple: Who's gonna step up? Will a new name join this legendary list, or will one of the multiple-title winners add another star? The whole world is gonna be watching.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.