Argentine veteran has sparked unease, leaving many wondering whether the duel that defined an era of international soccer could be interrupted on the sport’s biggest stage.

World Cup draw assigns Kansas City three group-stage matches and two knockout ties. Group J will feature Argentina and Messi; Groups E and F list top-ranked European teams. Kansas City will host matches June 16–27 and may serve as team base camp and hub.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, historic rivals across glistening careers, will compete at their final World Cup —barring an almighty surprise come 2030. They both hold genuine ambitions of clinching the crown in North America.

Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal learned their opponents for the 2026 World Cup after the draw was completed on Friday.

Saturday’s schedule release for the 2026 World Cup confirmed that AT&T Stadium in Arlington would host the defending champions for the group stage.

Argentina y Lionel Messi enfrentarán a Argelia en el arranque de su campaña para mantenerse en el trono de la Copa