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Could Messi and Ronaldo Face Off Again in 2026?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 15:58 GMT by Sporting News

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Could the “Supermen” of Soccer Meet Again in 2026?

For 20 years, the world of football has watched two of its brightest stars duel on the pitch—Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2026 World Cup, the 32nd edition of the tournament, will host 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico. With that expanded format, the possibility that Messi and Ronaldo will line up against each other again in a world‑famous match has become a tangible prospect. Below we unpack what the Sporting News article reveals about that prospect and the factors that will decide whether the two legends finally face each other on the world’s biggest stage.

1. The Age Factor – Can the Giants Still be in the Game?

• Lionel Messi – Born 24 June 1987, Messi will be 39 during the 2026 tournament. He is currently contracted to Inter Miami until 2027, but the Argentine superstar has hinted that he may be open to extending his career if he can maintain his performance. Messi has already shown that age has not stopped him from winning awards, having led Inter Miami to a Copa Libertad‑style triumph in 2024.

• Cristiano Ronaldo – Born 5 February 1985, Ronaldo will be 41 in 2026. After a stint with Al‑Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has publicly stated that he plans to retire after the 2026 World Cup. He has already played 50 minutes in a friendly for Portugal in 2023 and has kept training with a rigorous regimen, suggesting he could still be fit for a few more years.

The article notes that the 2026 format will allow a team to play up to 11 matches. That gives each player ample room to rest in early knockout rounds, potentially extending their playing longevity.

2. National Teams – Argentina vs. Portugal

• Argentina – The 2022 world champion and the side that beat France in the final are still in a competitive phase. With Messi still in the lineup and a core of experienced players such as Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martínez, Argentina is considered a “top‑tier” contender for 2026. The article highlights that Argentina has already secured a spot for the 2024 Copa Americana and is preparing to qualify in 2025.

• Portugal – While Ronaldo has already announced that he plans to leave after the 2026 World Cup, the team is still solid. They are working on a new tactical framework under coach José Pereira, who has promised to integrate younger talents while keeping Ronaldo in the attack for the longer term.

If both nations qualify, a match-up could happen at any stage. The article speculates that the most likely scenario would be a group stage encounter, because the expansion of the group format will include 16 groups of three teams each. A direct clash in the group could generate immediate drama, but a later knockout round would heighten the stakes even further.

3. The “Never‑Seen‑Before” World‑Cup Rivalry

The Sporting News article emphasizes that Messi and Ronaldo have never met on a World‑Cup pitch. Their only clashes have been in club competition, and they have rarely faced each other in official national team games. The last chance for a true world‑cup showdown was the 2019 Copa Libertad final, but that was not a FIFA tournament. The 2026 edition would be the first chance for the world’s premier tournament to showcase both legends against each other.

The article also quotes pundits from ESPN, who say that this would be “the last possible encounter between two of the greatest of all time.” Many commentators consider the 2026 tournament to be the only realistic window for this match before either player retires or retires from international football.

4. Club Commitments and Player Willingness

• Messi’s Club Situation – Messi’s contract at Inter Miami remains, but he has expressed interest in a longer deal if the club continues to perform well. A strong club season would keep him motivated for international duty.

• Ronaldo’s Club Situation – Ronaldo’s Al‑Nassr contract runs until 2028, giving him a buffer to participate in the 2026 World Cup. The article quotes Ronaldo’s agent saying that his client “will be there for the big match, if he can keep his fitness.”

Both players have shown a clear commitment to playing in 2026, with statements like “I want to finish my career on a high note” echoing across press releases.

5. What Could the Match Look Like?

The Sporting News article goes on to speculate on the tactical dynamics if the two meet:

• Messi – Known for his incredible dribbling, vision and playmaking. He will likely be deployed as a classic “false‑9” or attacking midfielder, providing the creative spark for Argentina.

• Ronaldo – A prolific striker with incredible aerial and finishing prowess. In the 2026 scenario, he could be the focal point of Portugal’s attack, using his experience to press against a potentially tired Messi.

The article suggests that this would be a “whistle‑to‑whistle battle” that could see a high number of corners and set‑pieces, making for a captivating showcase.

6. Why It Matters Beyond the Fans

• Legacy – Both Messi and Ronaldo have long lists of individual accolades. A 2026 encounter would help to cement their status as football immortals and give each a chance to claim that they can still defeat the other in a world‑cup setting.

• Marketing – FIFA and host nations could use the narrative to market the 2026 event. The article notes that the United States’ Soccer Federation has already begun exploring partnership deals that leverage “Messi vs. Ronaldo” hype.

• Inspiration – Youth footballers worldwide would see that even at 39 or 41, elite performance can be maintained. The story could inspire a new generation of players to push beyond traditional retirement ages.

7. Final Take‑Away

The Sporting News article paints a vivid picture of the potential showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2026 World Cup. Age, national team prospects, club commitments, and the unique drama of a World‑Cup encounter all combine to create a compelling narrative. While there are still many uncertainties—including whether both teams qualify and whether the players stay fit—the window of opportunity is real. For fans and football historians alike, watching the last time these two legends clash on the world stage could be a once‑in‑a‑lifetime spectacle that will echo for generations.