The 2026 FIFA World Cup could mark the final appearance of two football legends — Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Despite their advancing age, both stars remain pivotal for their respective national teams and have a real chance to set new records in the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In fact, some historic milestones could be broken the moment either player steps onto the field. Here’s a detailed look at the records Ronaldo and Messi could potentially shatter in the 2026 World Cup, as reported by Planet Football.
Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have already featured in five editions of the World Cup. This equals the record previously held by Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado, and German legend Lothar Matthäus.
Should either player participate, even briefly, in the 2026 World Cup, they would become the first footballers in history to play in six different World Cup tournaments.
Messi could reach this milestone first, as Argentina’s opening match comes before Portugal’s. Argentina are set to face Algeria on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at 08:00 WIB, while Portugal will take on DR Congo on Thursday, 18 June 2026, at 00:00 WIB.
In addition to the record for most tournament editions, Cristiano Ronaldo also has the opportunity to become the player with the highest number of appearances in World Cup history. Currently, Lionel Messi holds the record with 26 matches played, while Ronaldo has appeared in 22.
This means the Portuguese captain needs at least four more games to equal Messi’s tally. The possibility remains open if Portugal progress deep into the tournament while Argentina exit earlier.
The rivalry between the two extends to the list of all-time World Cup top scorers. Messi has scored 13 goals so far, just three short of German legend Miroslav Klose’s record of 16.
Given Messi’s experience and his role as Argentina’s primary finisher, he has a strong chance of matching or surpassing Klose’s mark. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has netted eight goals across five World Cups but has yet to score in the knockout stage, making his pursuit more challenging.
Interestingly, the biggest threat to Klose’s record may come from French forward Kylian Mbappe, who already has 12 World Cup goals — equal to Brazilian legend Pelé.
Beyond goals, Lionel Messi also has a golden opportunity to make history with assists. According to statistical archives, Pelé remains the all-time World Cup assist leader with 10. Messi has registered eight so far, meaning two more in 2026 would place him alongside the Brazilian great.
In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo has only recorded two assists throughout his World Cup career.
If Argentina reach another final, Lionel Messi would tie Cafu’s record as the only player to appear in three World Cup finals. Messi has already played in the 2014 and 2022 finals, while Cafu featured in three consecutive finals — 1994, 1998, and 2002 — for Brazil. For Cristiano Ronaldo, this record remains distant, as Portugal have never reached a World Cup final.
Age could also work in Cristiano Ronaldo’s favour in setting another record. While surpassing Essam El Hadary’s record as the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup match is out of reach, Ronaldo could still make history. If Portugal advance to the final, he would play at 41 years and 164 days old — surpassing Italy’s Dino Zoff, who appeared in the 1982 final aged 40 years and 133 days. That would make Ronaldo the oldest player ever to feature in a World Cup final.
Another attainable milestone is the record for the oldest goal scorer in a World Cup final. The current record belongs to Sweden’s Nils Liedholm, who scored in the 1958 final at the age of 35 years and 274 days. Should either Portugal or Argentina reach the final, both Ronaldo and Messi would have the chance to break that record with a single goal.
The 2026 World Cup is widely expected to be the last chance for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to compete on football’s biggest stage. Having already amassed nearly every major title and individual accolade in their illustrious careers, the North American tournament presents one final opportunity for both icons to add to their historic legacies before bowing out from international football.
The presence of Ronaldo and Messi in the 2026 World Cup is sure to capture global attention. Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo has publicly declared his support for Portugal, noting Ronaldo’s final appearance: “Portugal, because it’s C. Ronaldo’s last dance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Madura United goalkeeper Moch. Diky Indriyana is backing Argentina, citing their championship mentality: “I’m betting on Argentina because they are the defending champions,” he remarked.
The world now eagerly awaits to see how the journeys of Ronaldo and Messi unfold in the 2026 World Cup.
