Messi holds the all-time men's FIFA World Cup games record, while Ronaldo is the closest active player who can catch him, four games behind. At the 2026 tournament, there will be a maximum of eight games for any players whose country reaches the final, assuming they feature in each match.

With Nashville SC hosting Inter Miami on MLS Decision Day Oct. 18, here's an update on Lionel Messi's status for the game.