"The Last Dance" brings together Messi and Ronaldo.

Lionel Messi's career seemed complete after he led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, but the motivation to continue playing is still present for him and his great rival, Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, as the duo prepares to make history in this year's tournament scheduled in North America.

This will be the final dance for Messi and Ronaldo, as they will become the first players to participate in six different World Cups, two decades after their first appearances at a young age in the finals.

Since then, they have transformed into icons that transcend the boundaries of the pitch, becoming some of the most famous figures on the planet, as they enter middle age and contemplate retirement.

Messi hinted that continuing may no longer be worthwhile after he captained Argentina to the title in Qatar.

He said after leading Lionel Scaloni's team to victory over France in the Doha final via penalties: "It's clear that I wanted to end my career with this title. I can't ask for more than that."

He added: "My career is nearing its end because these are my final years. What could be more than this?"

But it seems there is more to come.

At that time, Messi was going through a dull period with Paris Saint-Germain, and after six months, he moved to Major League Soccer.

There, he shines with Inter Miami, with whom he won the league title last season.

Although he no longer plays weekly at the highest level, he remains a crucial element for Argentina.

The Barcelona legend led his country to victory in the Copa America in the United States in 2024 and was the top scorer in the South American qualifiers for the World Cup.

He recently said: "I love playing football, and I will continue to play until I can no longer do so."

At one point, there were doubts about his participation in another World Cup, knowing he first played in the tournament in 2006, when he scored at the age of 18 in a crushing 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro in Gelsenkirchen.

Scaloni confirmed: "I will do everything I can to ensure he is there," as Messi approaches 200 international matches, needing just two more to achieve that milestone.

He is expected to enhance his record of 26 World Cup matches, including the journey to the final in 2014 in Brazil.