World Cup 2026: How Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo face a sixth, likely final, campaign | OneFootball

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will contest a sixth, likely final, World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July. According to Le Progres, both remain central to Argentina and Portugal.

Two decades after 2006, when VAR was absent and Italy featured, they are still here with a record sixth appearance.

Messi left the last tournament wearing a bisht after lifting the trophy, and at 38 Argentina still build around him. Lionel Scaloni’s plan has not changed and he has said he consults Messi on decisions because nobody likes being substituted. Argentina won the 2024 Copa America and lead 2026 qualifying.

After an Achilles issue with Inter Miami, Messi should be fully fit for the start, having rejoined training and possibly due a few minutes in friendlies. His left foot still unlocks defences, though sustaining the tempo remains a question after MLS’s relative competitiveness.

Ronaldo, 41, still pursues the one trophy that eludes him, his best a 1-0 semi-final loss to France in 2006. He remains Portugal’s captain and centre forward, and Roberto Martinez points to his enduring motivation to justify starting him.

With 143 goals in 227 caps, the Al-Nassr forward in Saudi Arabia is still seeking a first World Cup, a triumph that would match Messi and prolong their rivalry. For Ronaldo, his physical condition is the key unknown.

Source: Le Progres