After leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, many believed Lionel Messi had completed the perfect football journey. Yet his continued commitment to the national team proves that his passion for the game has not faded. The same can be said for his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Now, on North American soil, the two football legends are preparing to make history once again at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For both global icons, the tournament is expected to become their final battle on the international stage — their “last dance.”
Two decades after making their World Cup debuts as teenagers, Messi and Ronaldo are on track to become the first players in football history to appear in six World Cups. Beyond football, they have become worldwide cultural icons inspiring millions of young fans. Even as they approach the twilight of their careers, both remain among the greatest attractions in the sport’s history.
Following Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, Messi himself hinted that there was little left for him to achieve. After defeating France in the dramatic final in Doha, the Argentine magician said, “Of course I wanted to finish my career like this. I couldn’t ask for anything more. My career is nearing its end because these are my final years. What else could there be to achieve?”
But football may still have one more chapter waiting for him.
At the time of Argentina’s World Cup success, Messi was enduring a difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain. Six months later, he moved to Major League Soccer in the United States, joining Inter Miami CF, where he quickly helped the club win major silverware.
Although Messi no longer plays in Europe’s top leagues, he remains indispensable for Argentina. He captained the national side to victory at the 2024 Copa América in the United States and finished as the leading scorer in South American World Cup qualifying. Recently, Messi reaffirmed his desire to continue playing, saying, “I love football, and I will keep playing as long as I can.”
Chasing Records and the 200-Match Milestone
Messi began his World Cup journey in 2006 at just 18 years old, scoring in Argentina’s 6–0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro.
While there were doubts after Qatar about whether he would continue to another World Cup, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made his position clear: “I will do everything possible to make sure he is at the World Cup.”
Messi is now only two appearances away from reaching 200 international matches. He already holds the World Cup record for most appearances with 26 matches, including Argentina’s runner-up finish in 2014.
The Argentine superstar currently has 13 World Cup goals. Considering Argentina’s group-stage opponents, many believe he has a realistic chance of surpassing Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.
Argentina’s first two group-stage opponents are expected to be Algeria and Austria, before facing Jordan in Dallas — a match scheduled just three days after Messi’s 39th birthday.
Ronaldo’s Final Mission at 41
Ronaldo is slightly older than Messi, but the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar appears fully determined to continue his international career in pursuit of the one trophy still missing from his collection: the FIFA World Cup.
Back in 2004, a teenage Ronaldo was left in tears after Portugal lost the UEFA Euro final on home soil. Twelve years later, he finally erased that heartbreak by leading Portugal to its first-ever European Championship title at UEFA Euro 2016.
However, the World Cup has always been a more difficult stage for Ronaldo and Portugal. Since reaching the semifinals in 2006, Portugal has won only one knockout match at the tournament — a 6–1 victory over Switzerland in 2022, a game in which Ronaldo surprisingly did not start.
After the 2022 World Cup, Roberto Martínez took over as Portugal’s head coach and restored Ronaldo as the team’s leading striker. Although Portugal exited in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 and Ronaldo failed to score, Martínez has continued to place his trust in him. Portugal later won the 2025 UEFA Nations League title under Martínez, with Ronaldo contributing an important goal.
Ronaldo currently holds the men’s international appearance record with 226 matches. The former Real Madrid CF and Manchester United FC star now plays for Al Nassr FC and is still competing at the highest level.
Recently, Ronaldo confirmed that this upcoming World Cup would likely be his final one. “I’m about to turn 41, and I think this is the right time to say goodbye,” he said.
Portugal are expected to face Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo in the group stage. Despite occasional debate over Ronaldo’s role within Portugal’s talented younger squad, the team is still viewed as one of the contenders for the title — and Ronaldo remains their most reliable goal scorer.
Personally, Ronaldo will also be desperate to add to his current tally of eight World Cup goals and finally score his first goal in the knockout rounds of the competition.
In an interview with Portuguese broadcaster RTP, coach Roberto Martínez praised Ronaldo, saying, “He is more than just a footballer for the national team. He is the captain, and his commitment to the country is extraordinary. He is truly unbelievable.”
Having already won nearly every major trophy in club and international football, the World Cup remains the final missing piece in Ronaldo’s legendary career. Lifting the trophy at age 41 would provide the perfect fairytale ending.
And for football fans around the world, perhaps the most exciting possibility remains this: if Argentina and Portugal both top their groups, Messi and Ronaldo could face each other in a blockbuster quarterfinal clash in Kansas City on July 11 — a dream showdown many fans have waited years to see on football’s biggest stage.
