“Fans worldwide await the final chapter of one of football’s greatest rivalries.”
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to make history by playing in their sixth FIFA World Cup in 2026. No other male player has ever reached this milestone.
Both legends have previously appeared in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments. Messi will aim to defend the trophy he won with Argentina in 2022, while Ronaldo looks to complete his career with the one major title that has so far eluded him.
Ronaldo, now 41, has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will “definitely” be his last. Messi, who recently extended his club contract until 2028, will assess his fitness and form before confirming his participation.
The 2026 World Cup could mark the final chapter of one of football’s greatest rivalries. Fans around the world are excited to see both superstars compete on the sport’s biggest stage one last time, continuing a saga that has defined modern football for nearly two decades.
If both play, it will also highlight their longevity, consistency, and resilience — a remarkable achievement in the physically demanding world of top-level football.