The 2026 North America World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will kick off on June 12 with a match between Mexico and South Africa, running through July 20. This tournament is expected to be a significant milestone, as it may mark the last World Cup appearance for both Messi and Ronaldo.
Born in 1987, Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 in Germany and has since participated in four tournaments. He is now aiming to become the first player to appear in six consecutive World Cups.
Messi is also pursuing the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history. He has netted 13 goals in 26 matches across five World Cups, placing him tied for fourth all-time with Just Fontaine of France. Above him are Gerd Müller of Germany with 14 goals, Ronaldo of Brazil with 15, and Miroslav Klose of Germany with 16.
If Messi scores three more goals in the North America tournament, he will tie for first place; four goals will make him the sole record holder. The possibility is strong, as Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), has demonstrated his enduring talent by winning the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for two consecutive years. Last season, he led the MLS with 35 goals and 21 assists, and he currently ranks second in scoring this season with 11 goals and four assists.
Born in 1985, Ronaldo is also pursuing a new milestone by aiming to score in his sixth consecutive World Cup. Like Messi, he made his World Cup debut in 2006 and has played in five tournaments, scoring eight goals in 22 matches. Ronaldo is the only player in World Cup history to have scored in five consecutive tournaments.
Ronaldo is also focused on achieving a World Cup victory, a feat he has yet to accomplish. He won the UEFA European Championship in 2016 but his best World Cup finish remains fourth place, achieved in the 2006 tournament in Germany.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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