Trending 
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are preparing for what could be the defining final chapter of two extraordinary careers as they head toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
More than two decades after making their World Cup debuts as teenagers, the football icons are set to become the first players in history to appear at six different World Cups.
For many football fans, Messi’s story appeared complete after he captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The triumph finally delivered the one major trophy that had long eluded the Argentine legend and cemented his place among football’s greatest players.
At the time, Messi hinted that retirement from the international stage was near. “Obviously, I wanted to finish my career with this. I can’t ask for any more,” he said after Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final in Doha. He added, “My career is coming to an end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?”
Yet the 38-year-old has continued to thrive. Since leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami CF, Messi has rediscovered form in Major League Soccer, helping the club win the MLS Cup last year while remaining central to Argentina’s national team ambitions.
Messi also guided Argentina to success at the Copa America in the United States in 2024 and finished as the leading scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.
“I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” he said recently.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has made it clear he expects Messi to feature prominently at the tournament.
“I will do everything to make sure he is there,” Scaloni insisted.
Messi enters the tournament with several records already in sight. He is just two appearances away from 200 international caps and already holds the record for most World Cup appearances, with 26 matches. With 13 World Cup goals, he also has Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament scoring record of 16 within reach.
While Messi’s World Cup dream has already been fulfilled, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to pursue the one major honour still missing from his career. The Portuguese superstar, now 41, remains determined to end his international journey on the highest possible note.
Ronaldo first appeared on the global stage at Euro 2004, then helped Portugal win Euro 2016, but World Cup success has remained elusive. Portugal reached the semi-finals in 2006, yet they have managed only one knockout victory since then.
Despite questions over his age and influence, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has continued to back Ronaldo as his leading striker.
“He is the captain and he shows exemplary commitment to his country. He is incredible,” Martinez said, praising the veteran forward’s dedication.
Ronaldo, who now plays for Al Nassr FC after legendary spells with Real Madrid and Manchester United, recently confirmed that this tournament would likely be his final World Cup appearance.
“I’m going to be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment,” Ronaldo said.
Portugal enters the competition with high expectations and a squad many believe is capable of going deep into the tournament. Ronaldo, already the most-capped male footballer in history with 226 international appearances, will also be seeking his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal.
The possibility of one final showdown between football’s two greatest modern rivals is adding even more anticipation to the tournament.
Should both Argentina and Portugal top their groups, Messi and Ronaldo could meet in a blockbuster quarter-final clash in Kansas City on July 11, a fitting stage for the final act of an era that has shaped world football for nearly 20 years.
