Lionel Messi’s international story appeared to have reached its end after he guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey looked similarly close to its conclusion.
Yet both players return for one more chapter, with the 2026 World Cup in North America set to mark their sixth appearance at the tournament, a record in men’s football.
Two decades after their first World Cup outings, Messi and Ronaldo are expected to become the first players to feature in six editions of the competition. Their careers have followed different paths, but both remain central figures for their national teams as they approach the final stages of their playing days.
Messi’s continuing influence
After Argentina’s win in Qatar, Messi hinted at retirement, suggesting he had reached the peak of his career.
“Obviously, I wanted to finish my career with this. I can’t ask for any more,” he said after the final victory over France in Doha.
“My career is coming to an end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?”
Despite that, he continued playing at a top level, moving to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. He has remained decisive for Argentina, helping them win the Copa America in 2024 and finishing as top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.
He is now closing in on 200 international caps and continues to add to his World Cup record, with 26 appearances so far. He also has 13 World Cup goals, with Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 still within reach.
Argentina will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in their group games.
Ronaldo pushes on at 41
Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, remains Portugal’s main attacking option despite his age. He has played at every World Cup since 2006, when he made his debut as a teenager.
Portugal’s best recent run came in 2006 when they reached the semi-finals, but since then knockout progress has been limited. Ronaldo’s role has changed over time, but he remains central to the squad.
He is the most-capped men’s player in international football with 226 appearances and continues to lead Portugal as captain under Roberto Martinez.
Ronaldo recently confirmed that this World Cup will be his last.
“I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”
Portugal will face Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo in the group stage.
Final chapter ahead
Both players enter the tournament with different contexts but the same focus: one last chance at the biggest prize in football.
If Argentina and Portugal finish top of their groups, a possible quarter-final meeting in Kansas City on July 11 would add another layer to their shared era.
For Messi and Ronaldo, the 2026 World Cup represents not just another tournament, but the closing stage of a rivalry that has defined a generation.
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(AFP)
