Two of soccer's all-time greats will likely make their final bows on the sport's biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can finally pass the baton to a new generation including Spain's Lamine Yamal.
The Legends
Lionel Messi
The magnificent Messi finally achieved his career ambition in Qatar four years ago by leading Argentina to World Cup glory and emulating national icon Diego Maradona. With it, Messi effectively completed soccer, winning the top titles for club, country and individually.
Since Qatar, he has moved to the United States to make Inter Miami the dominant force in MLS, winning the MLS Cup last year. His status as the greatest player of all time is still debated.
However, Messi has given Argentina a scare just two weeks ahead of the World Cup. The 38-year-old was substituted in an Inter Miami game and diagnosed with "an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring." No timeline was given for his recovery.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo is still waiting for the one trophy that has eluded him in his glittering, record-breaking career. The Portugal star heads to the World Cup after leading Saudi club Al Nassr to the domestic league title this season.
That trophy adds to league titles with Manchester United in England, Real Madrid in Spain and Juventus in Italy, along with five Champions League trophies. He has also won the European Championship with Portugal and two UEFA Nations League titles.
His 143 goals is a record in men's international soccer and nobody has scored more than his 41 in World Cup qualifiers. Even at the age of 41, his hunger for trophies and records shows no sign of relenting.
The Heirs Apparent
Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé has long been considered the player to take over the title as the best player on the planet after Messi and Ronaldo. Who was only 19 when he won the World Cup with France in 2018, is still waiting to confirm his place as the heir-apparent.
Some would say the Real Madrid striker has already done that as a World Cup and multiple title-winner, but the fact that he has yet to win the Champions League or Ballon d'Or leaves a big question hanging over his career.
He should have a good shot at this year's Ballon d'Or if he can lead France to another World Cup title after topping the scoring charts in Spain and leading the way in the Champions League.
Ousmane Dembélé
The France forward has reignited his career since joining Paris Saint-Germain three years ago, helping it secure its first Champions League title last season and reach back-to-back finals this year.
Having been touted as one of the brightest prospects in Europe earlier in his career, Barcelona bought Dembélé for $173 million in 2017. An underwhelming time in Spain led many to think he would never realize his potential. No one is saying that now.
Erling Haaland
The Manchester City striker is playing in his first major international tournament after smashing records at club level. Haaland, 25, is well on his way breaking scoring records in the Champions League and Premier League.
He has already surpassed benchmarks set by Messi in terms of the speed with which he's amassing goals. Norway will hope their goal machine can translate his club form to the international stage.
Emerging Talents
From the United States, Canada and Mexico comes Christian Pulisic, who will be looking to make his mark on home soil. The USMNT star will be keen to prove himself against the world's best.
Spain's Lamine Yamal represents the new generation that Messi and Ronaldo can pass the baton to. The young prodigy has been labeled as one of the most exciting talents in world soccer.