Anticipation Builds for World Cup 2026: The Legacy of Messi and Ronaldo

The countdown has begun for another gathering of the world’s elite football players. FIFA’s flagship event is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams participating.

Anticipation surrounds the potential participation of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo has indicated that he expects his upcoming sixth World Cup to be his last, as he will be 41 by the time the tournament commences. Nevertheless, he continues to demonstrate exceptional performance with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Messi has yet to confirm his role in Argentina’s title defense as he embarks on his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). At 38, he is on the pursuit of his 200th international cap, and many speculate he will be included in Lionel Scaloni’s squad.

Having reached the pinnacle of global football by securing the coveted trophy in 2022, Messi remains unfazed by the critiques of former players like Wesley Sneijder regarding his achievements. Sneijder has publicly stated that Portugal is a formidable team and believes Ronaldo has a stronger chance of winning the next World Cup compared to Messi. He acknowledged Argentina’s success in Qatar but suggested that it was partially due to favorable circumstances.

This is not the first occasion Sneijder has questioned Messi’s accolades. The ex-Netherlands and Real Madrid player, who was part of a legendary Inter team that achieved a treble in 2010 under Jose Mourinho, has expressed disappointment over not receiving the 2010 Ballon d’Or, which Messi won instead. He emphasized that, although individual awards are significant, collective trophies hold greater value.

As it stands, Messi has amassed eight Ballon d’Or awards, while Ronaldo has five. Both players continue to pursue remarkable individual milestones. Ronaldo has set his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals, a target that Messi is also expected to achieve, particularly after signing a two-year extension with Inter Miami.

Sneijder remarked on the ongoing rivalry, stating, “Cristiano won’t stop until he reaches 1,000 goals. Messi will also definitely reach that milestone. It’s remarkable that we are still discussing the rivalry, with one in MLS and the other in Saudi Arabia, both aiming for 1,000 goals. Perhaps we should also track their assists to see who reaches 2,000 first.”

Currently, Ronaldo is under contract with Al-Nassr until the summer of 2027 while Messi has agreed to terms with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season.