On Sunday night, Portugal secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup with a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been sidelined for the match due to a red card in the previous game, was not on the field but has already begun counting down the days for his sixth World Cup appearance.
Earlier this year, Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, also confirmed their place in the 2026 World Cup. For the first time in history, both of these football legends are set to play in a record-breaking sixth World Cup.
Since the 2018 World Cup, many had predicted that it would be the final tournament for both Messi and Ronaldo. In fact, after the 2022 World Cup, some speculated that both players’ careers were nearing their end. Messi, however, sealed his legacy by winning the 2022 World Cup, while Ronaldo’s journey ended in the quarter-finals. Many thought that Messi’s triumph and Ronaldo’s premature exit marked the end of an era.
But fate had different plans. Almost three years after their respective World Cup journeys seemed to be over, both players are on the verge of playing another World Cup. The 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will undoubtedly be a showcase for the two legends.
Ronaldo, in a recent video interview from Portugal’s national team camp during a tourism conference in Saudi Arabia, confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his final one. Speaking to CNN’s Becky Anderson, Ronaldo stated, “Yes, this will definitely be my last World Cup. I will be 41 at that time.”
As for Messi, while he has not officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup, he has expressed a clear desire to be there. “I want to be there,” Messi said. Given his current form and fitness, it seems highly likely that Messi will indeed play in the 2026 World Cup, barring any significant injury setbacks.
This sets the stage for what could be one final chapter in the long-running rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo, both of whom have defined a generation of football. The 2026 World Cup promises to be a memorable one, with two of the greatest players in history aiming for one last shot at glory.