Messi and Ronaldo prepare for their sixth and final World Cup

After leading Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 2022, Lionel Messi’s career seemed complete. Yet both he and his long‑time rival Cristiano Ronaldo are still motivated to compete, as they prepare for a historic sixth appearance at this year’s tournament in North America.

This will be the final World Cup for both players, making them the first athletes to participate in six different editions of the competition, two decades after their debut finals in 2006.

Beyond the pitch, Messi and Ronaldo have become global icons. Now approaching middle age, they are reflecting on retirement while still playing at the highest levels.

Messi had previously hinted that there might be little point in continuing after guiding Argentina to victory in Qatar.

“Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can’t ask for any more,” he said after leading Lionel Scaloni’s side to a penalty shoot‑out win over France in the 2022 final in Doha. “My career is coming to an end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?”

However, Messi has continued to play. After a less impressive spell at Paris Saint‑Germain, he moved to Major League Soccer six months later and has since excelled with Inter Miami, winning the MLS Cup last year.

Although he may no longer compete at the top tier every week, Messi remains vital for Argentina. He captained the national team to a Copa America title in the United States in 2024 and was the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.

“I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” he said recently.

At one point, doubts arose about whether he would participate in another World Cup. He first appeared in 2006, scoring in a 6‑0 win over Serbia and Montenegro in Gelsenkirchen at the age of 18.

– 200 caps, goals record in sight –

“I will do everything to make sure he is there,” Scaloni insisted, noting that Messi is only two games away from reaching 200 caps.

He is also close to extending his record of 26 World Cup appearances, which includes the 2014 final run in Brazil.

With 13 World Cup goals, Messi is within striking distance of Miroslav Klose’s record of 16, especially as Argentina’s group opponents do not appear the toughest.

Argentina will start against Algeria and Austria before facing Jordan in Dallas, three days after Messi’s 39th birthday.

Ronaldo, who is a few years younger, is determined to continue his international career in hopes of securing the ultimate prize.

The Portuguese striker was a teenager when he lost the Euro 2004 final on home soil, but he later captained Portugal to victory at Euro 2016. The World Cup, however, has remained more challenging, with Portugal reaching only the 2006 semi‑finals and winning a single knockout match since, a 6‑1 victory over Switzerland in 2022, where Ronaldo was left on the bench.

– ‘Exemplary commitment’ –

Roberto Martínez became coach after that and reinstated Ronaldo as the first‑choice striker, a role he has maintained despite not scoring at Euro 2024, where Portugal exited in the last eight.

Ronaldo is the most‑capped male player of all time, with 226 international appearances. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star is now set to win the Saudi title with Al Nassr.

Ronaldo confirmed that this would be his final World Cup, stating: “I’m going to be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”

Portugal enters a group with Colombia, Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a genuine contender for the trophy, even if there are questions about whether Ronaldo is holding back a talented squad.

Ronaldo aims to add to his eight World Cup goals and to secure a first knockout‑stage goal.

“He is more than just a football player, but for the national team that is all he is,” said Martínez in an interview with Portuguese broadcaster RTP. “He is the captain and he shows exemplary commitment to his country. He is incredible.”

Winning the World Cup at 41 would be a fitting conclusion for Ronaldo. If both Portugal and Argentina top their groups, the two legends could meet in the quarter‑finals in Kansas City on July 11.

AFP

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