Ronaldo, Messi at World Cup: Who else is playing their final tournament?

Key Points:

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America may mark the final tournament for several legendary footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar Jr., as age and injuries take their toll.
• Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, is set to make his sixth World Cup appearance with Portugal, aiming for the only major trophy missing from his career, while Lionel Messi, also competing in his sixth World Cup, faces fitness concerns but remains Argentina’s key player.
• Other veterans expected to retire after the tournament include Croatia’s Luka Modric, Brazil’s Neymar Jr., Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Belgium’s Kevin de Bruyne, Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa.
• Several players, such as Neuer and Ochoa, have come out of retirement or returned to their national teams specifically for this World Cup, highlighting the significance of the event as a final showcase for their careers.
• The tournament represents a transitional moment in men’s football, as some of the sport’s greatest talents prepare for their last World Cup appearances amid an expanded and highly competitive global stage.