Messi and Ronaldo dominate discussion ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand to 48 teams and be co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament has sparked renewed focus on its marquee players, particularly Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are now among the few active footballers with billionaire net worths – roughly $1.1 billion for Messi and $1.2 billion for Ronaldo, according to Forbes. Their earnings stem from club salaries, sponsorship deals with global brands such as Nike, personal clothing lines, media projects and hospitality investments.

Betting markets are also emphasizing the race for the tournament’s top scorer. Odds makers highlight Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland as leading contenders, while noting that Messi and Ronaldo are viewed more as sentimental choices given their age and current club situations. Analysts advise bettors to consider player form, team progress in the expanded knockout stages and the likelihood of early elimination when assessing potential goal totals.