Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa will make history in 2026 when they compete in their sixth Copa of Mundo. The trio has participated in all editions since 2006, at Alemanha, through África of Sul 2010, Brasil 2014, Rússia 2018 and Catar 2022. Nenhum player in the history of the tournament has reached this number of participations. The three athletes are still active and confirm their exceptional longevity in high-level football.
The next edition will be held at Estados Unidos, México and Canadá, between June and July 2026. With the participation of 48 teams, the tournament will offer more games and opportunities for veterans to consolidate their legacies. Aos 38, 41 and 40 years old respectively, Messi, Ronaldo and Ochoa challenge the limits of their professional career.
Previous Recordistas have already ended their trajectories
Antes of this trio, only five players had competed five Copas of Mundo. Lothar Matthäus, from Alemanha, Gianluigi Buffon, from Itália, and the Mexicans Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez and Andrés Guardado reached this mark. Todos They, however, have already ended their professional careers. Messi, Ronaldo and Ochoa differentiate themselves by maintaining a competitive level and continuing to be fundamental pieces in their teams.
The longevity of these three athletes represents a rare phenomenon in world football. Enquanto Most elite players end their activities at the age of 35, they continue to compete at high level international competitions. Argentina, Portugal and México count on these veterans as technical references and leaders within the squads.
Messi leads overall statistics in Copas from Mundo
Lionel Messi surpassed Lothar Matthäus as the player with the most matches played in Copas than Mundo. São 26 duels until the end of 2022. In the final against França, the Argentine scored in decisive moments and lifted the trophy for the first time in his career. Ele accumulated seven goals in that edition alone, consolidating its dominance in the competition.
- Messi: 26 games, 13 goals, 8 assists and world title in 2022
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 games, 8 goals and scored in five different editions
- Guillermo Ochoa: 11 games, 5 clean sheets and accumulated defensive experience
The Argentine number 10 combines goals, assists and consistency over the years. Selecionadores and analysts highlight his ability to decide games even at an advanced age by professional football standards. Argentina keeps him as the main offensive reference and is betting on him to defend the title won in Catar.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores on five different Copas
Cristiano Ronaldo achieved an unprecedented feat by scoring in five different editions of Copa of Mundo. In 2018, against Espanha, he scored a memorable hat-trick. The Portuguese has 22 games and eight goals in total. Aos 41 years old, continues to train at a high pace and leads Portugal in the qualifiers and preparatory friendlies for 2026.
Seleção Portuguesa depends on CR7’s presence to motivate the group and maintain a high standard of performance. The striker influences younger teammates on and off the field. Sua’s longevity serves as an example of dedication and professionalism, inspiring generations of Portuguese players.
Ochoa represents México’s defensive experience
Guillermo Ochoa experienced remarkable moments in the history of Copas and Mundo. In 2014, against Brasil, he made saves that entered the collective memory of the tournament. The Mexican goalkeeper has played 11 games and five matches without conceding goals. Aos 40 years old, received new calls and is competing for a place on the final list for 2026.
México, as the host country for the next edition, invests in infrastructure and plans a strong campaign in front of the local fans. Ochoa carries the weight of being a national idol, with fans who value his dedication and experience. The Mexican defensive organization depends on the leadership of the veteran goalkeeper, who continues to be a reference in Latin American football.
Preparativos advance in the three selections for 2026
Argentina competes in friendlies and seeks to maintain the harmony of the champion squad. Portugal integrates new talents around Cristiano Ronaldo, creating a balance between experience and youth. México, as host, invests in tactical preparation and structure to host the competition in ideal conditions.
The three players have not confirmed retirement after 2026, leaving open the possibility of future participation. The North American tournament, with an expanded format of 48 teams, offers more opportunities for competition. Messi, Ronaldo and Ochoa are already part of the gallery of world football legends, and their sixth participation definitely reinforces their historic status in the competition.
