Messi, Ronaldo, and Ochoa's special World Cup

GD&TĐ - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Guillermo Ochoa participating in their sixth World Cup together evoke one of the most anticipated stories in North America.

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 attracted particular attention: striker Lionel Messi, striker Cristiano Ronaldo, and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

All three players together increased their record to six World Cup appearances. This is a rare milestone, reflecting the enduring presence of these players on the biggest stage in world football for two decades.

Forward Lionel Messi is entering his sixth World Cup with the reigning champions Argentina. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022.

Messi first participated in the World Cup in 2006 and lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022. At the age of 39, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to lead Argentina in their quest to defend their title.

Ronaldo also entered his sixth World Cup at the age of 41. The Portuguese superstar boasts a career filled with records, but the World Cup title remains his biggest unfulfilled dream.

If Messi returns as the reigning champion, Ronaldo will continue to pursue his unfinished dream. The 2026 World Cup could therefore be the last chance for the Portuguese striker to reach the prestigious Golden Cup.

Striker Cristiano Ronaldo is participating in his sixth World Cup with the Portuguese national team. The world championship title remains an unfulfilled dream for the 41-year-old.

Meanwhile, legendary goalkeeper Ochoa has a different story. The 41-year-old goalkeeper doesn't have a vast collection of titles like Messi or Ronaldo, but he remains a familiar face at the World Cup with many impressive saves while playing for Mexico.

Ochoa's sixth World Cup was even more memorable as Mexico, along with the USA and Canada, co-hosted the tournament. The veteran goalkeeper had the opportunity to play in front of his home crowd in the final stages of his career.

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.

The 2026 World Cup also shows a clear generational shift. Of the 1,248 players, 357 have participated in at least one World Cup, while 891 are making their first appearance.

Scotland's goalkeeper Craig Gordon is the oldest at 43 years and 162 days old, while Mexico's midfielder Gilberto Mora is the youngest at just 17 years and 240 days old.

The tournament features 22 players under the age of 20 and 7 who have turned 40.

The tournament expanded to 48 teams for the first time, with a total of 104 matches. The national teams of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan also participated in the World Cup for the first time.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/world-cup-dac-biet-cua-messi-ronaldo-va-ochoa-post780300.html