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Ronaldo’s 6th World Cup, Messi Scores Record Hat-Trick

6/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo is entering the 2026 World Cup, his record sixth tournament and likely his final appearance.
Lionel Messi and Ronaldo are listed on Argentina’s and Portugal’s group-stage rosters for the 2026 World Cup.
Messi became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick during the tournament.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez called Ronaldo a hungry captain and role model who still scores despite age-related decline.

History

Historical Context

In the 1998 FIFA World Cup final on 12 July 1998, France defeated Brazil 3-0 at the Stade de France, while a fit but controversially reinstated 22-year-old Ronaldo sparked worldwide debate. That tournament, the first with 32 teams, showed how veteran stars could shape outcomes, a pattern echoed by 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi heading into the 2026 World Cup.

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Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo is entering the 2026 World Cup, his record sixth tournament and likely his final appearance.
Lionel Messi and Ronaldo are listed on Argentina’s and Portugal’s group-stage rosters for the 2026 World Cup.
Messi became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick during the tournament.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez called Ronaldo a hungry captain and role model who still scores despite age-related decline.

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