PARIS: Lionel Messi&#39;s career seemed complete after he led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup, but the motivation to keep playing is still there for him and his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the duo prepare to make history at this year&#39;s tournament in North America.&nbsp;This will be the last dance for Messi and Ronaldo, who will become the first players to appear in six different World Cups, two decades on from their fresh-faced debuts at the finals.&nbsp;They have since become icons far beyond the football pitch, two of the most recognisable people on the planet as they head into middle age and contemplate retirement.&nbsp;Messi appeared to suggest that there would not be much point in carrying on after he skippered Argentina to victory in Qatar.&nbsp;&quot;Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can&#39;t ask for any more,&quot; he said after dragging Lionel Scaloni&#39;s side to victory over France on penalties in that World Cup final in Doha.&nbsp;&quot;My career is coming to an end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?&quot;&nbsp;Plenty more, it turns out.&nbsp;Messi was in the middle of an underwhelming spell at Paris Saint-Germain then, and six months later he departed for Major League Soccer.&nbsp;There he is excelling with Inter Miami, with whom he won the MLS Cup last year.&nbsp;He might no longer be playing at the very highest level every week, but he remains crucial for Argentina.&nbsp;The Barcelona legend captained his country to victory at the Copa America in the US in 2024, and was the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.&nbsp;&quot;I love playing football, and I&#39;m going to do it until I can&#39;t anymore,&quot; he said recently.&nbsp;At one stage there were some doubts as to whether he would play at another World Cup, a tournament he first graced in 2006, when aged 18 he scored in a 6-0 demolition of Serbia and Montenegro in Gelsenkirchen.&nbsp;200 caps, goals record in sight&quot;I will do everything to make sure he is there,&quot; insisted Scaloni, with Messi now just two games away from reaching 200 caps.&nbsp;He is set to add to his record of 26 appearances in World Cup matches, including their run to the 2014 final in Brazil.&nbsp;Messi has 13 World Cup goals, meaning Miroslav Klose&#39;s record of 16 is within striking distance, especially as Argentina&#39;s group opponents do not appear the toughest.&nbsp;They will begin against Algeria and Austria before tackling Jordan in Dallas, three days after Messi&#39;s 39th birthday.&nbsp;He has a couple of years on Ronaldo, but the 41-year-old Portuguese talisman was determined to carry his international career on in the hope of landing the ultimate prize.&nbsp;Ronaldo was a teenager when he lost the Euro 2004 final with Portugal on home soil, but he made up for that by captaining them to victory at Euro 2016.&nbsp;Yet the World Cup has proven harder, at least after Portugal got to the 2006 semi-finals.&nbsp;Portugal have won only one World Cup knockout match since, when they hammered Switzerland 6-1 in 2022 with Ronaldo dropped to the bench.&nbsp;&nbsp;&#39;Exemplary commitment&#39;Roberto Martinez became coach after that and restored Ronaldo as the first-choice striker, which he remains despite not scoring at Euro 2024 when Portugal lost in the last eight.&nbsp;He is the most-capped men&#39;s player of all time with 226 international appearances, and the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar is now set to win the Saudi title with Al Nassr.&nbsp;Ronaldo confirmed recently this would be his last World Cup, insisting: &quot;I&#39;m going to be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.&quot;&nbsp;Portugal, who go into a group with Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo, are genuine contenders to win it even if there are doubts as to whether Ronaldo is holding back a talented squad.&nbsp;Personally, Ronaldo will be seeking to add to his eight World Cup goals, and finally get a first in the knockout stages.&nbsp;&quot;He is more than just a football player, but for the national team that is all he is,&quot; said Martinez in an interview with Portuguese broadcaster RTP.&nbsp;&quot;He is the captain and he shows exemplary commitment to his country. He is incredible.&quot;&nbsp;Lifting the World Cup at 41 would be quite the way for Ronaldo to finish &ndash;- and if both Portugal and Argentina top their groups, he and Messi would be on course to meet in the quarter-finals in Kansas City on July 11.

Football

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set for their sixth and final World Cup appearance in 2026, aiming to make history. Both legends remain key for Argentina and Portugal, with a potential quarter-final showdown possible in Kansas City.

The last dance: Messi and Ronaldo get ready for sixth and final World Cup

MADRID:&nbsp;Kylian Mbappe matched Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s club record for goals in a calendar year and Jude Bellingham also scored as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0 on Saturday in La Liga. French superstar Mbappe levelled Ronaldo&#39;s tally of 59 goals in 2013 by stroking home a late penalty, after Bellingham sent Madrid ahead with a first half header. The victory allowed Los Blancos, second, to cut the gap on leaders Barcelona to one point before the Catalans visit Villarreal on Sunday. Gaining a third consecutive win across all competitions, after managing just two in the previous eight games, marginally eases the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso. Sevilla, who thrashed champions Barcelona 4-1 in October, started strongly with veteran Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez heavily involved. Odysseas Vlachodimos made a fine save to thwart Fran Garcia at the other end, and as the minutes ticked by Madrid began to find more of a foothold. Bellingham headed the hosts in front at the Santiago Bernabeu after Rodrygo Goes whipped in a dangerous free-kick. The Brazilian forward was booked for diving before the break as he tumbled in the box under little pressure. Sanchez landed the ball on the roof of Thibaut Courtois&#39;s net before the break with an acrobatic effort. Sevilla coach Matias Almeyda was sent off at half-time for dissent, but his team plugged away in search of an equaliser regardless. Courtois twice denied Isaac Romero early in the second half, while Mbappe intensified his search to emulate Ronaldo&#39;s record. Mbappe headed against the crossbar and whipped a shot narrowly wide, while Vlachodimos fended off another effort from the 27-year-old on his birthday. Sevilla defender Marcao clumsily slid in to foul Bellingham after 67 minutes and was sent off for a second yellow card, hampering his side&#39;s chances of adding to Alonso&#39;s struggles. Madrid almost scored a second when Mbappe teed up Rodrygo, who lifted the ball into the air and then lashed it towards goal, but Vlachodimos superbly tipped it onto the crossbar. Eventually Mbappe got the goal he craved from the penalty spot, after Juanlu clumsily brought down Rodrygo. The forward sent Vlachodimos the wrong way as he stroked in his 59th of the year, to match Ronaldo&#39;s record. Madrid were awarded another penalty when Bellingham went down in the box but it was ruled out after a VAR review showed Sevilla defender Oso got the ball. The referee then gave Madrid another penalty as Sow fouled Rodrygo on the edge of the box, but the offence was just outside the area and it was again scrapped. Mbappe whipped the free-kick narrowly over the top corner as he tried in vain to go beyond Ronaldo&#39;s mark, but he will have to try again in 2026.

Kylian Mbappe matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s 59-goal record as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0, with Jude Bellingham scoring first, helping Madrid close the gap on Barcelona and ease pressure on coach Alonso

Mbappe matches Ronaldo record as Real Madrid beat Sevilla

LISBON: Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo can play in the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup after global football governing body FIFA gave him a partially &quot;suspended&quot; ban on Tuesday following a red card.&nbsp;The 40-year-old was sent off as Portugal lost 2-0 in Dublin earlier in November when he elbowed Dara O&#39;Shea in the back, for his first dismissal in 226 international appearances.&nbsp;FIFA banned Ronaldo for three matches, two of which will be suspended and the other has already been served, when Portugal sealed their qualification for next summer&#39;s tournament against Armenia.&nbsp;&quot;In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period,&quot; said FIFA in a statement given to AFP.&nbsp;&quot;If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately at the next official (Portugal) matches.&quot;&nbsp;Ronaldo, the men&#39;s all-time top goalscorer in international football with 143 goals, is aiming to play at a sixth World Cup next summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada.&nbsp;The former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, currently at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has not yet lifted the trophy but did win Euro 2016 with Portugal.&nbsp;Ronaldo attended a dinner in the White House last week where he met US President Donald Trump, who said his son Barron &quot;is a big fan&quot; of the forward.&nbsp;The World Cup group stage draw takes place on December 5.

Cristiano Ronaldo can play Portugal’s 2026 World Cup opener after FIFA suspended two of his three-match bans. Having already served one match, he remains eligible unless he commits a similar offence during a one-year probation period.

Ronaldo cleared for 2026 World Cup opener after FIFA suspends ban

PORTO: Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 without suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals on Sunday.&nbsp;Manchester United&#39;s Bruno Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain&#39;s Joao Neves both scored hat-tricks as Roberto Martinez&#39;s side racked up a huge win in Porto to top Group F.&nbsp;Renato Veiga got the ball rolling for Portugal, with Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao also on the scoresheet.&nbsp;After a draw in Hungary in October and a surprise defeat at Ireland on Thursday in which Ronaldo was sent off, Portugal wrapped up qualification at the third attempt in their final group match.&nbsp;They will compete in a seventh consecutive edition of the World Cup, a tournament which the Euro 2016 champions are yet to win.&nbsp;With Manchester United midfielder Fernandes playing a key role throughout, Portugal made a quick start by scoring in the seventh minute.&nbsp;Fernandes&#39;s vicious inswinging free-kick from just outside the left side of the box was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Henri Avagyan but Veiga was on hand to head home the rebound.&nbsp;The visitors shocked the hosts by scoring on their first attack to equalise, with Grant-Leon Ranos crossing for Armenia captain Eduard Spertsyan to strike.&nbsp;However Portugal quickly stepped up a gear and racked up an unassailable lead. Paris Saint-Germain striker Ramos intercepted a back pass and squeezed home his country&#39;s second after rounding Avagyan.&nbsp;Portugal put together a tidy move for their third, with Neves blasting home from the edge of the box after being teed up by Fernandes.&nbsp;Neves netted a spectacular second with a free-kick which flew into the top right corner, leaving Avagyan with no chance.&nbsp;Fernandes netted the fifth in first half stoppage time with a low penalty after Ruben Dias was fouled.&nbsp;The Manchester United midfielder continued where he left off after the break, slotting home his second after being fed by Ramos.&nbsp;Fernandes completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after debutant substitute Carlos Forbs was felled.&nbsp;Neves followed suit for Portugal&#39;s eighth goal, smashing home after Veiga headed Fernandes&#39;s cross into his path.&nbsp;Juventus forward Conceicao added the ninth in stoppage time to seal one of his country&#39;s biggest ever victories.&nbsp;Ireland stunned Hungary with a late winner to triumph 3-2 in the other Group F match and reach the play-offs, with Troy Parrott following up his midweek brace against Portugal with a hat-trick.

Portugal qualified for the 2026 World Cup by thrashing Armenia 9-1 without Cristiano Ronaldo, with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves scoring hat-tricks. The win secured Group F top spot and continued Portugal’s World Cup streak.

Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup by thrashing Armenia

LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he plans to retire &quot;soon&quot; as the Portugal and Al Nassr star prepares for a tearful end to his glittering career.&nbsp;Ronaldo discussed his thoughts on retirement and his life after football in an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored.&nbsp;The 40-year-old, who has scored a remarkable 952 goals, is one of the most decorated players in the history of the game, but the end is in sight for his astonishing career.&nbsp;Asked when he would consider hanging up his boots, Ronaldo, who is under contract with Al Nassr until 2027, replied: &quot;Soon. But I think I will be prepared.&nbsp;&quot;It will be tough, of course. It will be difficult? Yes. Probably will cry, yes. I&#39;m an open person. It will be very, very difficult, yes.&nbsp;&quot;But Piers, I prepare my future since 25, 26, 27 years old, I prepare my future. So, I think I will be capable to support that pressure.&quot;&nbsp;Ronaldo is confident he will be able to cope without football because he wants to focus on his family and his off the pitch interests.&nbsp;&quot;Nothing will be able to compare that the adrenaline that we have for football to score a goal,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&quot;But everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. I have other passions. I&#39;m going to have more time for me, I&#39;m going to have more time for my family to raise my kids.&nbsp;&quot;I want to follow Cristiano Junior because he&#39;s at an age when kids do stupid things. I was the same. Mateo loves football as well.&nbsp;&quot;I want to do more fun things. I love playing Padel with my closest friends. We are getting quite good.&quot;&nbsp;After starting his career with Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo enjoyed successful spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Juventus.&nbsp;He won three Premier League titles and the Champions League among other trophies in his first stint in Manchester.&nbsp;Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr after leaving United for a second time in 2022.&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, said he will retire soon and is preparing for life after football. He plans to spend more time with his family, follow his children’s interests, and enjoy hobbies like playing padel.


Articles tagged with "Cristiano Ronaldo"

The last dance: Messi and Ronaldo get ready for sixth and final World Cup

Mbappe matches Ronaldo record as Real Madrid beat Sevilla

Ronaldo cleared for 2026 World Cup opener after FIFA suspends ban

Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup by thrashing Armenia

Ronaldo reveals emotional retirement will come 'soon'