World Cup 2026: Messi, Ronaldo, and Son Heung-min Aim for Historic Records

Lionel Messi, born in 1987, has participated in five World Cups since the 2006 tournament in Germany. [Photo=Yonhap News·Reuters]

12th, the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, showcasing the 'Last Dance' of veteran stars. This term refers to the moment when aging sports icons pour all their abilities into what could be their final tournament.
Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, who have dominated world soccer for over 20 years, are set to challenge records in their sixth World Cup. Born in 1987, Messi has played in five World Cups since the 2006 tournament in Germany and aims to become the first player to appear in six consecutive World Cups.
Messi is also pursuing the record for most goals in World Cup history. He has scored 13 goals in 26 matches across five tournaments, placing him tied for fourth all-time with Just Fontaine of France. Above him are Gerd Müller of Germany (14 goals), Ronaldo of Brazil (15 goals), and Miroslav Klose of Germany (16 goals).
If Messi scores three more goals in this tournament, he will tie for first place; four goals will make him the sole record holder. The possibility is strong, as Messi has shown he is still at the top of his game, winning the MLS MVP award for two consecutive years while playing for Inter Miami. Last season, he led the league with 35 goals and 21 assists, and he currently ranks second in both categories this season with 12 goals and 7 assists.

Cristiano Ronaldo, born in 1985, aims to make history by scoring in six consecutive World Cups. [Photo=Yonhap News·Reuters]

Ronaldo, born in 1985, is also pursuing a new milestone by scoring in six consecutive World Cups. Like Messi, he has participated in five World Cups since 2006, scoring eight goals in 22 matches. He is the only player in World Cup history to score in five consecutive tournaments.
Additionally, Ronaldo is targeting the elusive World Cup title. He won the Euro 2016 but has only reached the semifinals in the World Cup, finishing fourth in the 2006 tournament.
Should Argentina (Group J) and Portugal (Group K) both advance as group winners, a historic first matchup between the two stars in the knockout stage could occur in the quarterfinals.
For South Korean captain Son Heung-min, this tournament holds special significance. He aims to lead South Korea to its first back-to-back Round of 16 appearances after participating in four consecutive World Cups since the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Having joined Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, he has adapted well to his new environment.

Son Heung-min celebrates after scoring the first goal during a friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago in Provo, Utah, USA. [Photo=Yonhap News]

He is also on the verge of breaking several records. With 56 goals in 144 international matches, he is just two goals shy of matching the all-time record set by former coach Cha Bum-kun (58 goals). Furthermore, if he scores one more goal in the tournament, he will surpass Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan (both with three goals) to become the all-time leading scorer for South Korean players in World Cup history.
In a recent FIFA interview, Son emphasized, "This could be my last World Cup. My dream is to make the impossible possible. I want to create the most wonderful journey possible."
Luka Modric, the 1985-born 'midfield general' from Croatia, will also take the field for his fifth World Cup. After leading his team to a runner-up finish in the 2018 Russia tournament and a third-place finish in the 2022 Qatar tournament, he recently underwent surgery for multiple fractures in his left cheekbone. Despite needing to wear a protective mask, he is determined to compete.
Other seasoned players, including Neymar (Brazil), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Manuel Neuer (Germany), and Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico), are also ready to make their final mark on the tournament.

* This article has been translated by AI.