Photo: shutterstock
The FIFA World Cup in 2026 is just around the corner, and everyone has this question on their minds. What will Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi do? Both of these two superstars have dominated the world of football for close to a couple of decades. This tournament might be their last attempt at playing on the biggest stage on the planet.
These two men are getting older, but they're still giant figures for Portugal and Argentina. Their teams will be wondering how to build strategies around them. Even at this age, their presence would be sufficient to change everything.
Messi & Ronaldo: One More Dance
Lionel Messi is 38 now. The rest of his contemporaries his age are sitting on the couch watching games on TV. Not the number 10, however. He still plays like he is in his twenties. He won the World Cup with Argentina back in 2022, and then followed that by guiding them to win the 2024 Copa America. He's also giving impressive performances in the US for Inter Miami.
Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário feels Messi has things to offer. He commented, “I’ve been watching Leo [Lionel Messi] in the Club World Cup matches and he still has things to offer.” Coming from another Ronaldo, that is something.
Discussing the other titan, Cristiano will be 41 by the time the World Cup starts. That's quite old in football years. But it's Ronaldo we're talking about. The guy really doesn't know how to quit. He just helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, equalizing against Spain in the final. At Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, he scored 35 goals in 41 games. Those are numbers some 25-year-olds aren't putting up today.
Barcelona legend Carles Puyol believes in Ronaldo too. He said, ‘‘He takes extremely good care of himself. He lives for football. His statistics as a centre forward speak for themselves.’’ Puyol has played against Ronaldo plenty of times, so he knows what he's talking about.
What They'll Actually Do on the Field
Both Messi and Ronaldo are still threats, but let's be totally honest here. Neither player moves like they used to. Gone are the days when they could run past five defenders and score unbelievable goals consistently. But they're still smart. They know the game better than almost anyone.
Messi's New Job
Argentina's Roberto Ayala once spoke about the plan for Messi at the next World Cup. According to the field assistant, Messi will play based on how he feels and how fit he is. This means no more forcing him to play every minute of every game. Messi will probably sit deeper on the field, creating chances for other players instead of always trying to score himself.
Think of him as the guy who pulls the strings. He'll pass the ball to younger players like Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. These guys can do the running while Messi does the thinking. His job will be to see things others can't see and make the right pass at the right time.
Messi himself hasn't openly declared he will play in the next World Cup. In fact, he actually ruled out the possibility when asked two years ago.
But time has passed since then. According to former Barcelona and current Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez, the magician just might return for a final show.
Photo: shutterstock
Ronaldo's Next Chapter
Portugal faces a tougher choice with Ronaldo. He still wants to start every game, but his coach might use him differently. Ronaldo could come off the bench when Portugal needs a goal. Or he might start big games and rest during easier ones.
We've seen him play as centre forward for his country in recent times. This would work well too at the World Cup. He may not be as explosive as a winger anymore, but he could cause problems with his goal poaching. Portugal's coach hasn't given up on him yet, despite some problems in recent tournaments.
Ronaldo's training habits will surely help him. The Portuguese star follows a strict routine. He eats right, sleeps right, and works out like a machine. This discipline could let him make big impacts even at 41.
Leading from the Front and Back
Messi and Ronaldo bring more than goals and assists. Both players are like coaches on the field. When young players see Messi or Ronaldo next to them, they feel more confident and play better.
But this comes with pressure too. Everyone expects these teams to win because they have these superstars. Sometimes that helps. Sometimes it makes things harder.
Why Sports Fans and Bettors Are Excited
The idea of Messi and Ronaldo playing their last World Cup has everyone excited for 2026. Everywhere you look in the world, from Argentina to Portugal, and Australia to the Philippines, the fans will be paying attention. Millions of fans will tune in just to see these two guys give it a go for the last time.
People who bet on sports are hyped too. There will be many markets to wager on. As a sports betting expert in the Philippines Adam Bloszko predicts, the 2026 World Cup will be especially huge for fans over there. For the best experience, he advises that you consult review sites to uncover the best sports betting sites Philippines. These sites give good odds, are secure, present many ways to pay, and boast many betting markets. You can even bet while games are happening, thanks to live betting.
Numbers and Stats to Look At
Here are some facts that show why these two still matter:
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Messi won the World Cup for Argentina in 2022 and the Copa America in 2024.
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Messi holds the record for most World Cup matches played (26 games).
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He holds Argentina's all-time World Cup goal tally (13 goals).
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He is Argentina's all-time leader (112 international goals).
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Ronaldo recently helped Portugal secure their third major trophy with the UEFA Nations League.
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Ronaldo is the most-capped male footballer ever, with 221 caps for Portugal (as of August 2025).
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He's Portugal’s record top goalscorer and has scored the most international goals (138).
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He's the only male player to score in five World Cup editions.
Wrapping Up
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will give fans the chance to see the last performances from these two guys. Messi and Ronaldo won't be the same players who amazed us for so many years. Fans don’t have to worry about quality though. Because while they may not run like they used to, they still know how to win.
Both will try to bring home one more trophy for their countries on football's biggest stage. Fans everywhere will watch every minute, and perhaps the intense banter from both camps will finally come to an end.
The article is written by Adam Bloszko