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2026 World Cup Kicks Off With Messi, Ronaldo Showdown

6/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The 2026 World Cup opens Thursday afternoon, featuring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi, 38, has 12 goals and eight assists for Inter Miami and holds eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Argentina, FIFA No. 3, relies on Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister for a back-to-back title.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is playing his sixth and final World Cup for Portugal as he seeks his first title.

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Story summary

The 2026 World Cup opens Thursday afternoon, featuring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi, 38, has 12 goals and eight assists for Inter Miami and holds eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Argentina, FIFA No. 3, relies on Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister for a back-to-back title.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is playing his sixth and final World Cup for Portugal as he seeks his first title.