Messi and Ronaldo Near International Retirement

Messi and Ronaldo Near International Retirement

For more than two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have existed almost inseparably in football's biggest individual debate. Now, for perhaps the first time, the end of both their international careers appears close enough to allow their national-team legacies to be assessed almost in full. Ronaldo, 41, has already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, while Messi is expected to follow suit. Their careers have been marked by numerous accolades, including multiple Ballon d'Or awards and a record number of goals scored in international competitions. As they near retirement, their legacies will be remembered for generations to come.