Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to make history as they prepare for their sixth and final FIFA World Cup appearances at this year’s tournament in North America. The milestone comes two decades after their World Cup debuts, cementing their status as two of football’s most iconic figures.

Messi, who led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, initially suggested he might retire from international football after that triumph. “Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can’t ask for any more,” he said following the final against France. However, the 39-year-old has since continued to excel, winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami and leading Argentina to Copa America glory in 2024. He also finished as the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.

Argentina will begin their group stage against Algeria and Austria, followed by a match against Jordan in Dallas, three days after Messi’s 39th birthday. Messi currently has 26 World Cup appearances and 13 goals, putting him within striking distance of Miroslav Klose’s record of 16. Coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed confidence that Messi will remain a key figure for the team.

Ronaldo, 41, has also confirmed this will be his last World Cup. The Portugal captain is the most-capped male player of all time with 226 international appearances and has eight World Cup goals to his name. Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a first-choice striker under coach Roberto Martinez and is on course to win the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.

Portugal, drawn in a group with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo, are considered strong contenders, with Ronaldo seeking to finally win a knockout match at the World Cup. If both Argentina and Portugal progress, Messi and Ronaldo could meet in the quarter-finals in Kansas City on July 11, setting up a potential final showdown for the ages.