Lionel Messi’s career seemed complete after he captained Argentina to a dramatic victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Yet, the insatiable drive to compete endures for both him and his eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. The two icons are now poised to make history at this year’s tournament in North America, embarking on what is widely expected to be their final World Cup appearance.
This marks the last dance for a duo who will become the first players ever to appear in six different World Cups, a remarkable journey spanning two decades since their fresh-faced debuts on football’s grandest stage.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Since their first World Cup in 2006, Messi and Ronaldo have transcended sport to become two of the most recognizable figures on the planet. As they navigate middle age and contemplate retirement, their motivation remains undimmed. After lifting the trophy in Doha, Messi had cast doubt on his future, stating, “My career is coming to an end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?”
Plenty more, as it turns out. A move to Major League Soccer saw him revitalized at Inter Miami, where he won the MLS Cup and continued to be the talisman for his national team, guiding Argentina to Copa America glory in 2024 and finishing as the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.
Chasing Records in North America
Now just two games shy of a staggering 200 international caps, Messi is set to add to his record 26 World Cup match appearances. With 13 goals in the tournament, Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 is within striking distance, especially with a group stage featuring Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Argentina’s campaign will begin with a match in Dallas just three days after Messi’s 39th birthday.
Meanwhile, the 41-year-old Ronaldo remains as determined as ever to secure the one major prize that has eluded him. A European champion with Portugal in 2016, his World Cup journey has been more challenging. Since a semi-final run in 2006, Portugal have won only one knockout match at the finals.
Portugal’s Captain Marvel
Despite not scoring at Euro 2024, Ronaldo has been restored as the first-choice striker by coach Roberto Martinez. The most-capped men’s player of all time with 226 appearances, he is set to win the Saudi league title with Al Nassr. Ronaldo confirmed this will be his final World Cup, stating, “I’m going to be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”
Portugal enter a group with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo as genuine contenders. Ronaldo will be seeking to add to his eight World Cup goals and, remarkably, score his first ever in the knockout stages. Martinez praised his captain’s “exemplary commitment” to the national team.
Lifting the World Cup at 41 would be a cinematic finish for Ronaldo. If both Portugal and Argentina top their groups, the two legends are on a collision course for a blockbuster quarter-final clash in Kansas City on July 11.
