Paris: Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are preparing for what is expected to be their sixth and final appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as the two global icons move toward the closing chapter of their historic careers.
The tournament, scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to mark the final World Cup appearance for both players, who will become the first footballers in history to compete in six different FIFA World Cups.
Messi and Ronaldo first appeared at the World Cup in 2006 and have since dominated global football for nearly two decades, winning multiple Ballon d’Or awards, breaking scoring records, and becoming two of the most recognisable athletes in modern sports history.
For Messi, the upcoming tournament comes after finally achieving his lifelong ambition of winning the World Cup with Argentina at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he captained his side to victory against France in the final.
Following that triumph, Messi suggested his international career was nearing its end.
“Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can’t ask for any more,” Messi said after Argentina’s victory in Doha.
However, the 38-year-old forward has continued playing at a high level and remains a key figure for Argentina ahead of the 2026 tournament.
After leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, where he helped the club win the MLS Cup last year.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has included Messi in the country’s preliminary World Cup squad as the reigning champions aim to defend their title in North America.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is also preparing for a historic farewell with Portugal.
The 41-year-old striker confirmed earlier this year that the 2026 World Cup would “definitely” be his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez recently stated that Ronaldo continues to earn his place in the national team based on form rather than reputation or age.
Despite entering the later stages of his career, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s captain and all-time leading scorer, while continuing to chase the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals.
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has defined an era in world football, with the pair collectively winning 13 Ballon d’Or awards and dominating European football during their years with clubs including FC Barcelona, Real Madrid CF, Manchester United FC, and Juventus FC.
Football analysts and fans worldwide are now anticipating one final World Cup chapter involving the two superstars, whose careers have transformed modern football commercially, culturally, and competitively.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition featuring 48 teams and is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026.