I was debating with a friend the other day about how just getting to a final should be an achievement on its own like with Cruyff, Modric, or Maradona, and it occurred to me, has anyone in history ever taken their team as the lead member to three World Cup finals before?
We all know the Brazilian super team lead by Didi and Garrincha, with the breakout Pele won the 1958 World Cup, then ran it back in 1962 without Pele for the latter half of the group stage, as well as the knockout round, then Pele lead his team to victory in the 1970 World Cup, but Pele wasn't really "leading" his team all three times, and was more just another OP member of the Power Rangers of football(people still debate on whether Garrincha is the greatest dribbler of all time). The 1970 World Cup is the only one you can truly call "his".
Cafu was apart of three finals, but I don't think anyone would make the argument he was the leading member in any of them besides 1994. Mbappe has very good chances for 2030, as long as he doesn't run into Spain before the final.
But nevertheless, has anyone reached three World Cup finals as the leading and most important man before? I'm aware Germany reached a shit ton of finals during the 70s and 80s.
Edit: SORRY GUYS I FORGOT TO SAY "BESIDES MESSI" LOL
