Messi, Ronaldo spotted with "Legacy" badge at FIFA World Cup 2026
Texas, June 18
Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were spotted wearing a special "Legacy" sleeve badge during the FIFA World Cup 2026, as the governing body introduced a new honour recognising players who have featured in five or more editions of the tournament.
Messi, who has been a central figure in Argentina's modern football dominance, and Ronaldo, Portugal's long-standing captain, both continue to extend their record-breaking World Cup journeys in the 2026 edition. The star footballers are featuring in their sixth World Cup appearance.
The Argentine legend Messi was seen wearing the badge on his shirt during his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria.
Messi opened his World Cup 2026 campaign with a magnificent Player of the Match-winning hat-trick, leading Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday (local time).
Messi has now featured in six FIFA World Cup editions (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026), underlining his extraordinary longevity at the highest level of international football, according to ESPN.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, who was seen wearing the legacy batch during Portugal's opening fixture against DR Congo, was left disappointed after being held to a 1-1 draw by underdogs DR Congo in their opening World Cup group match, as Yoane Wissa's equaliser cancelled out Joao Neves' early strike.
Ronaldo first featured at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, followed by successive editions in 2010 (South Africa), 2014 (Brazil), 2018 (Russia), 2022 (Qatar), and 2026 (North America), consistently representing Portugal across two decades at the highest level.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit conflicted. While it's amazing to see these two greats still playing, I wonder if this badge might create unnecessary hierarchy among players. What about other footballers who have also given their all for the game? But yes, Messi's hat-trick was pure magic! 🇮🇳⚽
As someone who grew up watching Ronaldo in 2006, seeing him still competing at this level is incredible. The legacy badge is a nice touch, but it's Ronaldo's reaction after the DR Congo draw that shows his true character - still hungry for wins even after all these years.
Both are absolute legends! But I feel a bit for Ronaldo - Portugal drawing with DR Congo must be tough for him. Still, the fact that these two have been dominating world football for 20 years is mind-blowing. India's football scene has so much to learn from their discipline. 🙏
While I appreciate the recognition, I can't help but think this badge is a bit of a marketing gimmick. The real legacy is what these players have done on and off the pitch, not a patch on their sleeve. Although, I won't lie - seeing Messi score that hat-trick was beautiful football!
What a time to be alive as a football fan! Messi and Ronaldo both still going strong. That hat-trick from Messi was vintage - reminded me of his prime days. And Ronaldo's never-say-die attitude is something every young player in India should emulate. These two are truly GOATs! 🔥⚽
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