Last week in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi played his final World Cup qualifiers for Argentina. The reigning world champion defeated Venezuela 3-0, in which Messi scored a double, raising the record to 36 goals after 72 qualifying matches in South America. This is a number that gives him an absolute lead.
This week, Albiceleste lost 0-1 to Ecuador, but still easily ended the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign as the top team.
Messi ended his journey as the top scorer in the South American qualifiers, scoring 8 goals. He did not feature in the Guayaquil game because he returned to the US to prepare for the final stage with Inter Miami in the MLS play-off round.
This means that Messi's career in the World Cup qualifiers has officially ended. The possibility of him reaching the finals next summer is still open.
"At my age, it's all the way that it won't happen. I'm very excited, very excited, but I'm trying every day, every match. I will continue as before: try to feel good, be honest with myself.
When I feel healthy, I enjoy it. Otherwise, I would have a bad time and I didn't want to be there. I will wait and see. I have not yet made a decision about the World Cup" - the 38-year-old star shared last week.
Meanwhile, in Europe, where the UEFA qualifiers must end in November, Cristiano Ronaldo also had an exciting international break.
His double against Ukraine in Portugal's 5-0 win increased his total goals in the World Cup qualifiers to 38. CR7 then surpassed Messi and was only one goal behind Guatemala record holder Carlos Ruiz.
In the recent match against Hungary, Ronaldo continued to score from the penalty spot, leveling Ruiz's record and contributing to Portugal's 3-2 victory.
At the age of 40, CR7 has increased his international scoring record to 141 goals in 223 matches. He will turn 41 in February, with the goal - like Messi - of making his sixth World Cup appearance in his career, an unprecedented record.
Recently, Ronaldo continued to affirm his legendary position when he was honored with the "Best of All Time - Greatest Player of All Time" award at the Gala Liga Portugal Awards held in Porto.
At the age of 40, Ronaldo is still full of emotion and pride when receiving the award. "This is a great honor. I am grateful to all my teammates, coaches and those who have always accompanied me, helping me become a better version of myself every day to get this wonderful reward" - Ronaldo shared.
Will we witness the final dance of these two legends next summer? Is the 2026 World Cup the stage for Messi and Ronaldo to say goodbye in the international arena?
Even when I just thought about this, I found it strange. After two decades of domination and countless extraordinary moments, it is difficult to believe that in the near future, we will no longer see them compete, whether at club or national team level.
