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Messi, Ronaldo Face Final World Cups Amid Injuries

6/5/2026

Summary

Messi, Ronaldo Farewell

Lionel Messi (Argentina captain) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal captain) will make their final World Cup appearance.
Argentina open Group J vs Algeria on June 16 while Messi recovers from a hamstring injury.
Portugal open Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, with Ronaldo captaining the June 17 match versus DR Congo.
Argentina also list goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez (finger fracture) and defender Cristian Romero (knee) as injured.

Summary

Ronaldo Numbers

Portugal announced its World Cup squad numbers, confirming Cristiano Ronaldo No. 7, Bruno Fernandes No. 8, Bernardo Silva No. 10 and a 26-player roster.
Midfielder Rúben Neves retains No. 21 to honor the late Diogo Jota, a tribute marked by a tattoo.
The tournament is framed as a generational bridge linking veterans with newcomers Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland.
A left-leaning analysis listed Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Christian Pulisic among the five most overrated players for the competition.

History

Historical Context

On 12 July 1998 France won its first World Cup, beating Brazil 3-0 at the Stade de France before an estimated 1.3 billion TV viewers. Zidane’s two first-half headers and Petit’s late goal capped a tournament that expanded to 32 teams and marked Brazil’s 16th consecutive appearance. Today’s veteran stars echo that 1998 career finale.

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Messi, Ronaldo Farewell

Lionel Messi (Argentina captain) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal captain) will make their final World Cup appearance.
Argentina open Group J vs Algeria on June 16 while Messi recovers from a hamstring injury.
Portugal open Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, with Ronaldo captaining the June 17 match versus DR Congo.
Argentina also list goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez (finger fracture) and defender Cristian Romero (knee) as injured.

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