Having already won the 2022 World Cup during his fifth appearance, Lionel Messi is under no pressure. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo remains in pursuit of the elusive World Cup trophy, the only major title missing from his illustrious career. Both superstars are gearing up to set a new record by participating in their sixth FIFA World Cup in 2026.
As the reigning champion from Argentina, Messi trails only three goals behind the tournament’s all-time top scorer, Miroslav Klose. At 41, the Portuguese star Ronaldo aims to secure his first FIFA World Cup title. On May 25 in Kathmandu, the football world reflects on the two icons—who have dominated global football for over two decades—shattering records for individual awards and goal-scoring achievements alike. Having won nearly every possible European league title, Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, while Ronaldo competes in the Saudi Pro League.
Both debuted in the World Cup in 2006 and are set to make history with their sixth appearances in 2026, a first in the tournament’s chronicles. Messi will enter as the defending champion, while Ronaldo pursues the championship he has yet to claim. Despite his age, Ronaldo’s Portugal squad remains a strong contender. Many hope Ronaldo will finally lift the World Cup, following Messi’s recent triumph. Messi has already scored 13 World Cup goals; adding three or four more in 2026 could see him surpass the all-time scoring record.
Altogether, Messi has played 198 games for Argentina, scoring 116 goals and nearing the 200-match milestone. He also holds the record for most World Cup matches played at 26. Ronaldo, known as ‘CR7,’ continues to deliver outstanding performances at 41. He has led Portugal to victory in the European Championship and Nations League and has secured league titles in England, Spain, and Italy. Recently, he won his first Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo has played 22 World Cup matches, scoring 8 goals, including a remarkable four-goal haul against Spain in 2018, which featured a hat-trick.
Despite both participating in five World Cups each, Messi and Ronaldo have never faced each other on this stage. The expansion of teams to 48 and the new knockout round format increase the chances of a Messi vs. Ronaldo showdown. Should they both top their groups and advance to the knockout stages, football fans worldwide can anticipate an historic and eagerly awaited encounter.
