Messi, Ronaldo, and a Host of Legends Set for Their Final World Cup

The football world is eagerly awaiting what promises to be the biggest and most historic World Cup ever held. For the first time, 48 teams will participate, and the tournament will be jointly hosted by three North American nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the World Cup approaches its centenary, this edition is set to be a grand celebration. But behind this massive festival of joy lies a sense of melancholy.

For a generation of legends who have dominated world football for the past two decades, this will mark the beginning of the end. The 2026 World Cup is set to be the final tournament for icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Some will bow out lifting the trophy, while others will leave the field with broken hearts. Here is a look at who will be making their last World Cup appearance on North American soil.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi will turn 39 this month. By defeating France in 2022 and lifting the elusive World Cup trophy, the little magician effectively ended the debate over football's greatest of all time. He has since left Europe and joined Inter Miami in the United States. Despite hints that he would hang up his boots after Qatar, Messi is set to appear in a record sixth World Cup. The football world is eagerly waiting to see his magic for one last time, even as North America's intense heat awaits.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

At 41, an age when most footballers have retired to the commentary box, Cristiano Ronaldo is still dreaming of bringing Portugal its first World Cup. Ronaldo has proven that age is just a number, scoring freely for Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr. Unlike Messi, he has yet to get his hands on the World Cup trophy. In fact, he has never even scored in the knockout stages of the tournament. With a squad full of young talent like Rafael Leão and Gonçalo Ramos, Portugal under coach Roberto Martínez is building its plans around Ronaldo. Like Messi, Ronaldo is also heading into his sixth World Cup, and this will be his final chance.

Neymar (Brazil)

Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer has had a dramatic road to the 2026 World Cup. Since October 2023, he has been out of the national team due to serious injuries, having spent very little time on the pitch for his club as well. After Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Brazil, many had almost forgotten about Neymar. But at the last moment, due to injuries to other forwards, Ancelotti gave Neymar a lifeline by including him in the 26-man World Cup squad. Even after the squad was announced, injuries have continued to plague him. With Neymar's body breaking down under repeated injuries, a 2030 World Cup appearance is highly unrealistic. How he makes use of this final chance in the Hexa mission remains to be seen.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah, the greatest footballer in Egypt's history, has been single-handedly carrying the Pharaohs for several years. The Liverpool star's 2018 World Cup campaign was ruined by injury. With his Anfield chapter coming to an end and rumors of a move to Saudi Arabia swirling, this is also Salah's last opportunity to leave his legacy on the world stage.

Luka Modrić (Croatia)

The 40-year-old midfield magician led Croatia to a runner-up finish in 2018 and third place in 2022. Having left Real Madrid for AC Milan, Modrić is set to play in his fifth World Cup. The veteran star is now on the verge of an extraordinary milestone: 200 international appearances for Croatia.

Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Neuer announced his retirement from international football after UEFA Euro 2024. However, due to an injury to Marc-André ter Stegen and poor form from Oliver Baumann, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has brought the 40-year-old legend out of retirement. Nagelsmann has confirmed that Neuer will be the number one goalkeeper for Die Mannschaft in North America.

Other Legends Bidding Farewell

Several other familiar stars are also set to end their international careers with this mega tournament. Among them are Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa, who is set to make history by playing in his sixth World Cup, alongside Messi and Ronaldo.

Additionally, this could be the last World Cup for Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, the Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk, Colombia's James Rodríguez, and even England's megastar, 32-year-old Harry Kane.