Even without Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese national team secured its place in the 2026 World Cup after a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday.
CR7 was unable to play in this game due to a suspension for his sending off in the previous match against Ireland. However, with his ticket to the tournament secured, Cristiano is preparing to play in his sixth World Cup and become the only player to do so. But Lionel Messi could thwart his record.
Messi can achieve the same milestone as CR7
Cristiano Ronaldo has been present at the World Cups in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022, the same as the captain of the Argentine national team.
However, while CR7 has confirmed that he will be present in 2026 and that it will be his last, Lionel Messi has not confirmed his presence.
Messi is coming off a championship win in Qatar 2022 after defeating France, so by playing in his sixth World Cup, he will not only go down in soccer history as one of only two players to compete six times, but he will also defend the title he won.
The Inter Miami star said that the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be “special” and that he is “excited” to participate again, but he is not sure about his decision and said he will evaluate it “day by day” in a recent interview with SPORT:
“I want to feel physically good, to be sure that I can help. I don’t want to be a burden… We will have a preseason in between, a few games before the World Cup. We’ll have to see how I feel day by day.”
Despite this, Leo and Cristiano are already part of a small group of players who have played in five World Cups. Lothar Matthäus of Germany and Mexicans Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez, and Andrés Guardado complete the short list. However, no one has played in six. Until now.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and it already promises to be historic.
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