As the world’s two most dominant names in world football today, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi seem to never stop being relevant. It’s a testament to their overarching impacts on the game that even though both are way into the twilight of their careers, there are still calls to include them in their respective national squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That being said, no serious football fan actually believes either at their best or anything as close to what they were in their prime.
There’s nothing inherently insulting or disrespectful in admitting this. After all, age affects all athletes, and Ronaldo and Messi are 40 and 38 years old, respectively. There’s no doubt that on their best day, either could still hold their own on the biggest stage. However, many argue that it wouldn’t be right for them to even be included in the World Cup squads.
The Odds and the Online Angle
Most football fans now get most of their info and sports news from sources like social media. However, it’s easy to get caught up in hype, speculation, or even completely fake news. When it comes to Ronaldo and Messi, judging each by small clips, hype posts, or highlight reels may not give one the full picture. For many, online sportsbooks are a more reliable source since they look at accurate info to form odds.
Argentina is currently listed at +800 (8/1) odds to win the World Cup in 2026, making them one of the favorites. On the other hand, Portugal isn’t too far behind at +1200 (12/1). Online sportsbooks have become so popular now that they even expanded their offerings far beyond major sports and tournaments. Niche offerings like esports betting sites are common now as the demand for professional gaming keeps growing. With these sites offering everything from wide-ranging odds, a massive array of markets for traditional sports and esports events, and easy access from anywhere in the world, they have also become a hub for info.
Since many online sportsbooks offer insights, player analyses, injury updates, and player stats, they can be a great way to get accurate info. In contrast, social media pages, unless blue-ticked and verified as professional sources, can be unreliable. Get your info from a Ronaldo or Messi social media fan page, and you couldn’t be blamed for believing both are still superhuman and still better than any younger player out there.
However, the truth can be more sobering, but not if you look directly at their stats. After all, Ronaldo scored 25 goals for Al Nassr in the league last season. Meanwhile, Messi already has close to 40 goal contributions this year alone. However, as both are now playing in leagues that are widely known to be far below the standard of European leagues, none of these stats truly mean all that much.
Impact on Argentina and Portugal
All that being said, if Messi plays, Argentina would benefit from not just his skill but also his leadership. His decision-making and ability to orchestrate plays remain unique. Without him, younger talents would assume more responsibility, pushing the team’s style in fresh directions. Ronaldo’s presence for Portugal provides continuity. He remains a focal point even if his role shifts toward mentoring younger attackers.
Both players are not just icons and talismans for their teams but also come with decades of experience at the highest level. There’s also a factor that simply can’t be quantified and that's their ability to inspire other players. Merely having them in the squad could be a huge boost for newer players who may want to up their own games simply to feel a part of teams that include the two greatest players of all time.
Tactical setups also hinge on their choices. Argentina might lean on midfield control and speed, while Portugal could employ systems that support Ronaldo’s finishing strengths. The presence of either could influence opposition planning, marking strategies, and psychological edges.
Yet, teams don’t always need such icons to succeed. Balance, coaching depth, and squad cohesion count heavily over the weeks of a tournament. A squad built to absorb transitions often survives the unpredictability ofthe knockout stages better than one reliant on a star.
Commercial and Legacy Value
Messi and Ronaldo bring unparalleled commercial value. From sponsor deals to broadcast viewership and merchandising, their names elevate every match they touch. Their inclusion would likely increase global TV viewership and engagement metrics, pushing secondary storylines and emerging stars into sharper focus.
With Ronaldo recently becoming the first athlete to reach billionaire status, it’s another reminder of just how big he is. Messi isn’t all that far behind, and both command legions of fans in practically every corner of the world. Their status as sponsorship giants and brands that could sell anything are clear to see when it comes to the diverse portfolio of sponsorships each has. From crisps brands to cryptocurrency products and tokens, anything CR7 or Messi puts their names on tends to explode in value.
For football history, this may serve as the final chapter of one of the greatest rivalries ever. To see them both on the same pitch once more would be poetic, a symbolic handing over of the torch to new giants. If both are absent, their legacy still guides how younger players approach greatness.
However, there is a risk in overreliance on nostalgia. Media narratives might overshadow tactical analysis. Fans and commentators could expect storybook endings rather than accepting evolution. The game must move forward, even as it honours its legends.
The Fan Angle
Many fans have already chosen their own path; some vow their support if Messi plays, others say no if not. The emotional attachment to both players is deep. For younger generations, seeing one or both may cement memories they carry forward into fandom.
Social media will be hectic. Every training update, every friendly appearance, will be scrutinised. Fans will debate form, injuries, public statements, and social media hints. The rumor mill will thrive. The pressure on national coaches is immense as decisions over common sense and legacy weigh heavily.
If both do play, will they feature heavily or make cameo appearances? Some suggest limited minutes to preserve fitness. Yet just a single appearance in a marquee game could satisfy the spectacle seekers. Either way, fans will remember the build, the reveal, and the moments more than the full minutes.
Conclusion
Messi and Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup isn’t purely a question of yes or no. It’s a story of legacy, ambition, and football’s evolving era. If both take the stage, the spectacle may define the tournament’s emotional core. If one or neither appear, their influence will still be felt in discussions, style shift,s and how the next generation views superstars. In every scenario, the world watches, remembers, and compares, and that may be the most meaningful legacy of all.