Deschamps’ Shocking Take on Messi, Ronaldo’s 2026 World Cup Dream Revealed

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is firing up across three nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and right now, the buzz isn’t just about the games. Nope, it’s about the titans of the sport who might just carve out a final chapter in soccer history. Didier Deschamps, steering the French squad for what could be his swan song as manager, is feeling the pressure and the poignancy, especially with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo potentially gracing the pitch one more time… for the sixth time, no less. This isn’t your average tournament setup; the expanded format shakes things up with new pathways and fresh challenges leading to the final showdown at MetLife Stadium. Yet, amid all the fresh faces and rising stars, the excitement circles back to these legends who’ve shadowed the sport for nearly two decades. Messi and Ronaldo are gearing up for one last hurrah — representing Argentina and Portugal, respectively — while Deschamps readies his French squad to face off against heavyweights like Senegal and Norway in a group that promises fierce competition. Sure, there’s a swarm of powerhouses in the mix — Spain, Brazil, Germany, England — but this World Cup feels like a curtain call for an era defined by these giants. And Deschamps isn’t shy about his respect — in candid talks with Ole, he’s laid bare a rare glimpse of reverence for these icons. Curious to see what he had to say? LEARN MORE .

The 2026 World Cup is taking shape across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the global spotlight is already intensifying on the tournament’s biggest icons. As France manager Didier Deschamps prepares for what will be his final major competition with the national team, he acknowledges that the upcoming event carries extra weight — especially with the possibility that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could both appear on soccer’s greatest stage for the sixth time.

The expanded 2026 format brings new challenges and new routes to the final at MetLife Stadium, yet one thing remains unchanged: the sense of anticipation surrounding the legends who have defined international soccer for nearly two decades.

Both GOATs are expected to push for one last run — Messi with Argentina, Ronaldo with Portugal — while Deschamps leads France into a demanding Group I containing Senegal and Norway. The French coach, who lifted the trophy as both player and manager, knows his team sits alongside other global powerhouses like Spain, Brazil, Germany, and England in a tournament packed with contenders.

But he also knows this World Cup may close a historic era. The possible six-time participants’ storyline has stirred worldwide attention — a backdrop Deschamps addressed directly in an interview with Ole, offering rare glimpses into his respect for the two icons.

Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina, and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Portugal.

What did Deschamps say about Messi and Ronaldo?

Midway through the discussion of France’s path, Deschamps was asked about Messi and Ronaldo possibly appearing in their sixth World Cup — a feat no male player has ever achieved. The French coach spoke with admiration: “They are two players who have marked international soccer for more than 15 years; without a doubt, it is something special for them.”

Those six words — “it is something special for them” — reveal Deschamps’ sentiment: a blend of respect, recognition, and acknowledgment that the 2026 tournament may be the grand finale for the two greatest rivals in soccer history.

Deschamps also dismissed any narrative that France seeks revenge for the 2022 final loss to Argentina: “There is no rematch in soccer. Argentina won and there is nothing we can do about it now. This is a new competition and we are going to try to go as far as possible.” His insistence on looking forward, not backward, frames Les Blues’ mindset heading into the tournament.