Messi and Ronaldo near the end: Comparing goals, trophies, and the international legacies they leave behind
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, confirmed the 2026 World Cup was his last for Portugal; his farewell may be a Nations League match against Wales on September 24, 2026.
Lionel Messi, 39, has not officially retired but appeared to decide the 2026 World Cup final could be his last international match, per teammate Leandro Paredes.
Ronaldo holds men's international records with 233 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, including 11 World Cup goals across six tournaments.
Messi has 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina; Ronaldo leads by 21 goals from 26 more matches.
Ronaldo became the first male footballer to score at six different World Cups and is the European Championship's all-time leading scorer with 14 goals.
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