Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will compete in their sixth and final FIFA World Cup at the 2026 tournament held in North America this summer [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Both stars first appeared at the World Cup in 2006 at age 18 [1, 2, 4, 5]. Messi has played in every tournament since then, appearing in 26 World Cup matches and scoring 13 goals, chasing Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals [1, 2, 4, 5]. Ronaldo also made his World Cup debut in 2006 and holds the record for most international appearances among male footballers, with 226 caps for Portugal [1, 2, 4, 5].
At 39 years old, Messi will approach the 2026 World Cup as his last chance to add to his trophy haul, having captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the 2024 Copa America held in the U.S. [1, 2, 4, 5]. He joined Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in mid-2023 and helped his new club win the MLS Cup in 2025 [1, 2, 4, 5]. Despite playing outside Europe’s top competitions, Messi remains Argentina’s top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying and a key player. He is currently two matches shy of reaching 200 caps with Argentina [1, 2, 4, 5].
Messi will face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in the group stage, with the latter match occurring three days after his 39th birthday [1, 2, 4, 5]. Messi has expressed a desire to conclude his career on this note, saying, "Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can’t ask for any more" and "My career is coming to an end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?" [1, 2]. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed, "I will do everything to make sure he is there" [1].
Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, has also stated that this World Cup will mark his retirement from international play. He has yet to win the World Cup despite leading Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and hopes to cap his career with the sport’s biggest prize [4]. Portugal will compete in a group featuring Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Ronaldo still viewed as a key figure despite some critics questioning his influence [4]. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said, "He is not just a footballer, he is everything for the national team. He is the captain and shows exemplary commitment to the homeland. He is incredible" [4].
If both Argentina and Portugal top their groups, Messi and Ronaldo could face each other in the knockout round on July 11 in Kansas City, providing a likely final chapter to their storied rivalry [4].
