After the fairytale ending of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for the Argentine star, Lionel Messi, the spotlight has been on the La Albiceleste team. Between then and now, they went on to win the Copa America to continue their trophy-winning streak.
Now, the next edition of the World Cup is close by, and the football world is wondering whether Argentina can defend their title and whether their talisman will be in their lineup again.
For the longest time, MLS star Messi and his close rival, Ronaldo, have gone toe to toe on trophies, goals, and personal achievements. However, Ronaldo has not gotten his hands on a World Cup title like Messi did in 2022. Just coming off a Nations League win, speculations are that Portugal will be fielding their 40-year-old superstar, while the Argentine will also come with Messi for what could be a final face-off for the two legends.
Our football transfer expert, Kate Richardson, went into the details on everything to note about these players and what speculations are worth considering.
Post-2022 World Cup Victory: Following Lionel Messi's Trajectory Since Mundial Victory
In 2022, by lifting the World Cup, Lionel Messi finally reached what appeared to be the pinnacle of his career. After the big competition, he continued playing with the club he was signed with, Paris Saint-Germain. While the club did not win the UEFA Champions League with Messi, they were able to clinch the Ligue 1 title while the Argentine star kept improving his scoring and assist records.
At the end of the season, he left PSG and joined Inter Miami, where he has continued playing club football to date. On the international front, the Argentine team was able to continue their winning streak and went on to win the 2024 Copa America title. On the back of this successful campaign, the La Albiceleste will be coming in again as favorites in the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Fact Check: Will Lionel Messi Play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Even at 37, Messi was still instrumental to his national team, having led Argentina to secure their 16th Copa América trophy in 2024. However, since 2024, the player has been missing some games for his club because of injuries. In 2025, he also missed some qualifying games because of injury concerns. At the moment, it appears he is fit and available again, because he has been performing for Inter Miami in the 2026 Club World Cup in June.
However, even though Messi is back on the pitch again, there is usually no guarantee that a player at that age would be physically ready for the World Cup in 2026. Interestingly, Messi himself has given a hint on whether he may
“For me this year is going to be important, to be able to play with continuity, to feel good. Last year I joined up for preseason and started a couple of games, then had to miss a few games through injuries or not feeling 100%. This time pre-season has been good, I’ve started well and I feel good,” Messi said in an interview with Simplemente Futbol.
“I think about it and wait and see, but I don’t want to set that goal either. I’ll take it day by day and see how I feel physically above all else, and be honest with myself too,” Messi added.
If we're being realistic, it's very unlikely that the Inter Miami star will play at the next World Cup to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico. However, having enjoyed fairly good season with Inter Miami, there's absolutely no chance that Argentina's footballing legend would pass on an opportunity to play in his sixth World Cup, especially if long-time rival Cristiano will be featuring.
A First Look at the Possible Argentina Squad Ahead of the Tournament
Even though the tournament is still a year away, we can predict what the team is going to look like in 2026 based on players' performance right now. This is how we expect the squad travelling for the 2026 World Cup to look like:
Goalkeepers:
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Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
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Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille)
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Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven)
Defenders:
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Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
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Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid)
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Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
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Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille)
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Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica)
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Juan Foyth (Villarreal CF)
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Facundo Medina (RC Lens)
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Valentín Barco (Strasbourg)
Midfielders:
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Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético de Madrid)
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Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
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Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
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Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
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Leandro Paredes (Roma)
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Thiago Almada (Olympique Lyonnais)
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Nico Paz (Como)
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Enzo Barrenechea (Valencia)
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Franco Mastantuono (River Plate)
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Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur)
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Nicolás Domínguez (Nottingham Forest)
Forwards:
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Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
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Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid)
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Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
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Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
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Nicolás González (Juventus)
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Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid)
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Valentín Castellanos (Lazio)
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Ángel Correa (Atlético de Madrid)
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Only a few players can compete at the big stages like Ronaldo has been able to at 40 years old. Presently he plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but the most impressive feat is what he has been able to achieve with the Portuguese international team. The team went on to win the Nations League for the second time ever with the 40 year old legend scoring crucial goals in the knockout stages.
However, Ronaldo could not complete the final game because of an injury. In a post match interview, the player himself confirmed that he has been battling an injury but kept playing to support the team. If over all these years we've learned anything about the Portuguese star, it's that so long as he is physically fit, he will be around to play for his country in 2026.
For now, Ronaldo is choosing to focus on the moment.
“I feel good, almost good. But it’s 2026 and I can’t answer that question. The moment is good and I’m living in the moment, which is very positive. We are trying to do well in the Nations League. But 2026? There’s a long story in between,” Cristiano said last summer.
A First Look at the Possible Portugal Squad for the Mundial
No one can say the exact lineup that Portugal will come with for the 2026 tournament. However, based on the way the team lined up for the 2025 Nations League tournament, and recent players' performances, this is our prediction for the team.
Goalkeepers:
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Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
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José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
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Rui Silva (Sporting CP)
Defenders:
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João Cancelo (Al-Hilal)
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Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
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Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
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Rúben Dias (Manchester City)
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Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP)
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António Silva (Benfica)
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Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
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Renato Veiga (Juventus)
Midfielders:
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Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
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Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
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João Palhinha (Bayern Munich)
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Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal)
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Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
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João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
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João Félix (AC Milan)
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Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP)
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Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto)
Forwards:
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Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
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Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
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Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
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Gonçalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
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Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
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Francisco Conceição (Juventus)
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Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP)
Final Thoughts: Last Chance to Witness the Two Greatest Players at the Biggest World Stage?
The 2022 World Cup was tagged "the Last Dance" for Messi and CR7, but between 2022 and now, both Ballon D'or winners have simply refused to stop playing and have continued showing that they still have it. However, the 2026 World Cup has to be the final stop for both players and we expect to see the two teams bring their very best to North American soil as they pour their hearts and souls out on the pitch to immortalize their country legends.
And with both national teams boasting some of the finest players in European leagues, many have tipped Argentina and Portugal to go all the way to the World Cup final. Bettors in different countries, especially on the African continent are part of those rooting for both teams to slug it out for the biggest global footballing prize.
From Botswana to Nigeria, Egypt and round the continent, there are exciting betting markets lined up for you. You can access some of the best betting sites in Botswana through an expert review from MightyTips. These sites promise incredible wagering options, bonuses and international payment methods that would come in handy even if you travel to North America for the mundial.
The article was provided by Kate Richardson