Istanbul: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are set to make their sixth World Cup appearances, as the tournament unfolds across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Argentina is slated to face Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Group J, while Portugal will square off against the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Houston Stadium in a Group K matchup.

According to Anadolu Agency, both players have been pivotal figures in the world of football throughout the 2000s, garnering significant attention for their participation in every World Cup during this era. Lionel Messi, at 38, continues to be a central figure for Argentina, having previously led his team to victory in the 2022 World Cup. He holds the record for most appearances in World Cup history with 26 matches, and has scored 13 goals in these appearances. As he embarks on this tournament, Messi, who celebrates his birthday on June 24, could conclude his World Cup journey at 39, should Argentina progress to the later stages.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old Portuguese striker, is gearing up for his sixth World Cup as well. Ronaldo has consistently left his mark in each tournament since 2006, with a total of 8 goals in 22 matches. Notably, he is the first player to score in five different World Cups. Despite his impressive record, Ronaldo has yet to clinch a World Cup title, a goal he aims to achieve in 2026.

Both Messi and Ronaldo are not only looking to add to their goal tallies but also to cement their legacies further by potentially leading their respective teams to World Cup glory. As the football world watches, these two icons continue to redefine the boundaries of the sport.