Reports have surfaced indicating that Lionel Messi has been advised that it would be a 'joke' for him to miss the opportunity for a final showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup. With both players nearing the twilight of their illustrious careers, fans are hopeful that this major international tournament could serve as a fitting stage for one last epic encounter.

While rumors continue to swirl about Messi's potential absence from the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine GOAT has remained somewhat cryptic about his future plans. Speculation suggests that Messi may opt to sit out the tournament in order to focus on other commitments or to make way for a new generation of players to take the spotlight on the international stage.

On the other side of the coin, Cristiano Ronaldo's intentions regarding the 2026 World Cup remain unclear as well. Given Ronaldo's competitive nature and desire to prove himself against the best, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Portuguese superstar actively pursuing a spot in his national team's squad for the tournament.

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has defined an entire generation of football fans, with both players setting numerous records and pushing each other to new heights throughout their careers. As the footballing world eagerly awaits the 2026 World Cup, all eyes will be on whether these two legends will have one last chance to face off on the grandest stage of them all.