Messi, Ronaldo, Ochoa and the "final dance" at the 2026 World Cup.

(NLĐO) - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Guillermo Ochoa are all entering their sixth World Cup, evoking feelings of admiration mixed with regret in the hearts of fans.

The International Football Federation (FIFA) has just announced the official list for the 2026 World Cup. Among the 1,248 players from 48 teams, three names have particularly stirred emotions among fans: forward Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

The Argentinian superstar, the Portuguese player, and the Mexican goalkeeper will all increase their career World Cup appearances to six. This milestone not only demonstrates rare perseverance but also serves as a reward for players who have spanned generations of football while maintaining their burning desire to compete.

Superstar Lionel Messi is participating in his sixth World Cup with defending champions Argentina. Photo: AP.

Messi lifted the Golden Trophy in Qatar in 2022, adding the most important piece to his illustrious collection of titles. However, the presence of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in North America still holds special significance, because time waits for no one.

Every step taken by the 39-year-old superstar could now become part of the final chapters of his World Cup journey, which began in 2006.

Forward Cristiano Ronaldo is participating in his sixth World Cup with the Portuguese national team. Photo: AP

Ronaldo has also returned to the biggest stage in world football with his burning desire still undiminished. The 41-year-old striker has made his mark in five World Cups, but the golden trophy remains the missing piece in his record-breaking career.

While Messi evokes the sense of fulfillment of someone who has reached the pinnacle, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner stirs up the regret of a legend still relentlessly pursuing an unfulfilled dream. The 2026 World Cup may be his last chance to get closer to the most prestigious title at the national team level.

Goalkeeper Ochoa may not possess a vast collection of titles like the two aforementioned superstars, but he remains a unique icon of the World Cup. He has repeatedly impressed with his spectacular saves while playing for the Mexican national team.

Ochoa's sixth World Cup is especially significant as Mexico, along with the USA and Canada, are co-hosting the tournament. This represents both a new challenge and a potential farewell to his home fans for the 41-year-old goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has been named in Mexico's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. This will be the 41-year-old goalkeeper's sixth World Cup appearance. Photo: AP

The 2026 World Cup also clearly reflects the "old generation gives way to the new" principle. The tournament will be expanded for the first time to 48 teams, with 104 matches.

Of the 1,248 players, 357 have participated in at least one World Cup, while 891 are making their debut on the planet's biggest stage.

The generational gap at this year's biggest football tournament on the planet spans more than 25 years. Scotland's goalkeeper Craig Gordon is the oldest at 43 years and 162 days old, while Mexico's midfielder Gilberto Mora is only 17 years and 240 days old.

There are 22 players under the age of 20 and 7 who have turned 40.

The teams from Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are all making their first appearance in a World Cup.

Alongside the excitement of the newcomers, there is a sense of wistfulness as some legends may conclude their decades-long careers after the 2026 World Cup.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/messi-ronaldo-ochoa-va-vu-dieu-cuoi-tai-world-cup-2026-1962606030951193.htm