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The Last Dance: Messi and Ronaldo Get Ready for Sixth and Final World Cup

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP)
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP)
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The Last Dance: Messi and Ronaldo Get Ready for Sixth and Final World Cup

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP)
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP)

Lionel Messi'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's tournament in North America.

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.

They have since become icons far beyond the football pitch, two of the most recognizable people on the planet as they head into middle age and contemplate retirement.

Messi appeared to suggest that there would not be much point in carrying on after he skippered Argentina to victory in Qatar.

"Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can't ask for any more," he said after dragging Lionel Scaloni's side to victory over France on penalties in that World Cup final in Doha.

"My career is coming to an end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?"

Plenty more, it turns out.

Messi was in the middle of an underwhelming spell at Paris Saint-Germain then, and six months later he departed for Major League Soccer.

There he is excelling with Inter Miami, with whom he won the MLS Cup last year.

He might no longer be playing at the very highest level every week, but he remains crucial for Argentina.

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.

"I love playing football, and I'm going to do it until I can't anymore," he said recently.

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.

- 200 caps, goals record in sight -

"I will do everything to make sure he is there," insisted Scaloni, with Messi now just two games away from reaching 200 caps.

He is set to add to his record of 26 appearances in World Cup matches, including their run to the 2014 final in Brazil.

Messi has 13 World Cup goals, meaning Miroslav Klose's record of 16 is within striking distance, especially as Argentina's group opponents do not appear the toughest.

They will begin against Algeria and Austria before tackling Jordan in Dallas, three days after Messi's 39th birthday.

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.

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.

Yet the World Cup has proven harder, at least after Portugal got to the 2006 semi-finals.

Portugal have won only one World Cup knockout match since, when they hammered Switzerland 6-1 in 2022 with Ronaldo dropped to the bench.

- 'Exemplary commitment' -

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.

He is the most-capped men'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.

Ronaldo confirmed recently this would be his last World Cup, insisting: "I'm going to be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment."

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.

Personally, Ronaldo will be seeking to add to his eight World Cup goals, and finally get a first in the knockout stages.

"He is more than just a football player, but for the national team that is all he is," said Martinez in an interview with Portuguese broadcaster RTP.

"He is the captain and he shows exemplary commitment to his country. He is incredible."

Lifting the World Cup at 41 would be quite the way for Ronaldo to finish -- 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.

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Sports

‘Heat Dome’ Threatens Sweltering Conditions for World Cup Fans, Players

Ivory Coast goalkeeper Alban Lafont runs his hands through water from a sprinkler as he participates in a training session in Dallas, Monday, June 29, 2026, ahead of the team's World Cup soccer match against Norway. (AP)
Ivory Coast goalkeeper Alban Lafont runs his hands through water from a sprinkler as he participates in a training session in Dallas, Monday, June 29, 2026, ahead of the team's World Cup soccer match against Norway. (AP)
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‘Heat Dome’ Threatens Sweltering Conditions for World Cup Fans, Players

Ivory Coast goalkeeper Alban Lafont runs his hands through water from a sprinkler as he participates in a training session in Dallas, Monday, June 29, 2026, ahead of the team's World Cup soccer match against Norway. (AP)
Ivory Coast goalkeeper Alban Lafont runs his hands through water from a sprinkler as he participates in a training session in Dallas, Monday, June 29, 2026, ahead of the team's World Cup soccer match against Norway. (AP)

Extreme heat will greet fans and ‌players this week at the World Cup, as an imposing "heat dome" settles over the central and eastern United States - plus parts of Canada - as the knockout rounds progress.

The weather phenomenon known as a "heat dome" - a large area of high pressure that traps heat and humidity - could lead to dangerously high temperatures, with heat indices set to hit 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Midwest and East Coast, according to the US National Weather Service.

Those conditions are set to extend through the Fourth of July holiday weekend in the US, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary, with matches from Toronto to Kansas City to East Rutherford, New Jersey and Philadelphia all feeling the heat.

"Even after the sun goes down, it's still going to be ‌very hot," said ‌AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert. "We're at a pattern that's really going ‌to ⁠be hot during ⁠the good portion of the afternoon and even into the evening hours."

Reppert projects that New York, which will welcome fans for a Round of 16 match in nearby New Jersey on July 5, will see temperatures reach their highest levels since 2013. He added that even matches played in the evening could be affected.

"The sun will be down," he said. "That will help make things better, but it's still going to be hot."

HYDRATION BREAKS FEATURE AT TOURNAMENT

The conditions have the potential ⁠to reignite the issue of player safety and welfare that came ‌up a year ago during the Club World Cup, ‌which was held in the US, when FIFPRO said the scorching weather should serve as a "wake-up call."

FIFA ‌instituted mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half in every match for the World ‌Cup this year, a measure that supporters say benefits player welfare, but critics argue disrupts the flow of play at the tournament.

World soccer's governing body did not immediately respond to a request for comment on any additional measures that could be taken for player or fan safety during the expected period of ‌intense heat.

Toronto, which will host a Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia on Thursday, put its "Heat Relief Strategy" into effect ⁠after Environment and ⁠Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning that runs from Tuesday through Friday.

Three of the stadiums hosting matches under the umbrella of the heat dome - Atlanta, Dallas and Houston - have retractable roofs and air conditioning, offering significant relief.

But even the stroll to the modern home of the Dallas Cowboys can feel more like a firewalk, with the concrete-and-asphalt-laden Texas city built for cars and primed to absorb heat.

Alina Mitina, an emergency department physician for Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, said fans should seek out shade as much as possible and watch out for telltale signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness.

"Shady areas will really save lives in these types of situations," said Mitina. "So as long as there's lots of shade and areas to buy water, I think they're going to be in really good shape."

Sports

Lebanon’s Brazil Fans Celebrate a World Cup Round of 32 Win

Supporters of Brazil's national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP)
Supporters of Brazil's national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP)
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Lebanon’s Brazil Fans Celebrate a World Cup Round of 32 Win

Supporters of Brazil's national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP)
Supporters of Brazil's national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP)

In the northern Lebanese town of Zgharta, Brazilian flags hung from balconies and stone alleyways as families prepared for Brazil’s Round of 32 FIFA World Cup match against Japan.

Children wearing yellow jerseys played football in the streets, while cafés and public squares filled with supporters draped in green and yellow, reflecting a passion for Brazil that stretches across Lebanon.

The connection between the two countries runs deep. Government estimates say between 7 million and 10 million Brazilians have Lebanese ancestry, more than Lebanon’s population of about 6 million.

Those family and cultural ties, shaped by over a century of migration, have helped make Brazil one of the most widely supported national football teams across Lebanon.

Children wearing Brazil jerseys carry a Brazilian flag and a soccer ball as they head with their family to watch the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP)

For many Lebanese fans, Brazil’s attacking style of play, flair and history of producing legendary players have also inspired generations of supporters, passing that passion from parents to their children.

As kickoff approached, drums echoed through the streets and fans gathered around screens to cheer every attack.

“Today we had to work a bit for the win, but I was sure we were going to win,” said Brazil supporter Bagus Fadlallah. “We’re Brazil, and we’ll show everyone what Brazil is really made of.”

After Brazil’s victory, supporters in villages and cities across Lebanon took to the streets, waving Brazilian flags, beating drums and celebrating a team many Lebanese have supported for generations.

Sports

‘We Came from Nothing’: DR Congo Dreams of England World Cup Upset

Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) celebrates scoring their third goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP)
Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) celebrates scoring their third goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP)
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‘We Came from Nothing’: DR Congo Dreams of England World Cup Upset

Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) celebrates scoring their third goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP)
Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) celebrates scoring their third goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP)

DR Congo's long road to a first World Cup in 52 years has been beset by challenges that their English opponents in the last 32 on Wednesday could scarcely imagine.

Despite having to navigate 13 qualifiers, a pre-tournament quarantine due to an Ebola outbreak and the instability caused by decades of conflict, the war-torn nation is making its mark on the global stage.

"It's not easy in our country," said Yoane Wissa after his two goals secured his nation's first World Cup win against Uzbekistan and a meeting against England, where the Newcastle striker has played his club football for the past five years.

That is by no means the only English connection in the squad.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was born in London and played for England to under-21 level.

Axel Tuanzebe also represented the Three Lions at youth level and could come up against his former schoolmate and teammate Marcus Rashford in Atlanta.

Of the 26-man squad, 20 were born outside of Congo -- the majority, like Wissa, in France.

The battle for the mineral-rich East Congo has sparked a decades-long conflict between a litany of armed groups and forced families to flee, seeking security in Europe.

"There's a war in East Congo. Every day, every time we wear this shirt, we think about them," added Wissa.

"Because we want peace and for them, I just say 'thank you'. Thank you because we came from far. We came from nothing to be here. Now we write our story with a black pen and we need to be proud."

The roots of an inspiring story on the field come from that tragic backdrop.

Sourcing and recruiting dual-national players has become crucial for smaller nations to punch above their weight in international football.

- 'New generation wants to help' -

Wan-Bissaka was one of those who initially needed some convincing.

Signed by Manchester United for £50 million ($66 million) when just 21, DR Congo swooped when the England career he imagined he would have failed to materialize.

But as the Leopards' star has risen, players are becoming increasingly keen to join the Congolese cause.

Noah Sadiki represented Belgium at youth level and would almost certainly now be a mainstay for the Red Devils had the Sunderland midfielder not switched allegiance.

"There is a new generation that wants to help the people of the country," Sadiki told French sports paper L'Equipe.

Competing as Zaire in 1974, the country's only previous World Cup ended in embarrassment with 14 goals conceded in three defeats.

Over half a century on, Congo's new generation have given a nation reason to dream.

The outbreak of Ebola that has claimed more than 300 lives had had an impact on the team's World Cup preparations.

The United States imposed a 21-day isolation period on players in Belgium before they were allowed to enter.

Their most famous fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga -- known for his statue-like pose honoring the country's first prime minister Patrice Lumumba -- was denied entry to the US.

But the team led by Sebastien Desabre, a Frenchman, has defied the odds.

Congo eliminated African powerhouses Cameroon and Nigeria in qualifying before sealing their place with victory over Jamaica in an inter-continental play-off in March.

Desabre's men then thwarted Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal as Wissa's header secured a 1-1 draw in their opening World Cup game.

A narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia meant they had to beat Uzbekistan to reach the knockout stages for the first time.

Roared on by thousands from the Congolese diaspora in the stands, Wissa was the hero once more in a 3-1 win.

The challenge of England, one of the favorites for the competition, awaits.

But Congo are unlikely to be overawed given the hurdles they have scaled to get to this stage.