4 years ago, Lionel Messi seemed to have closed his World Cup career in the most perfect way possible. He scored 2 goals in the final, successfully executed his penalty shootout and raised the world cup as captain of the Argentine team. The title of Player of the Tournament and his top performance in Qatar 2022 seem to have completed the career picture of the person considered by many fans to be the greatest player in football history.
In the opposite direction, the 2022 World Cup is like an incomplete ending for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar lost his starting position, witnessed Goncalo Ramos score a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory over Switzerland and helplessly watched his team stop in front of Morocco in the quarter-finals. Despite becoming the first player to score in five different World Cups, Ronaldo still could not make a big impression in the knockout rounds.
At that time, many people believed that Messi's victory had closed the long-standing debate about the title GOAT. However, 4 years later, both legends have not stopped.
The 2026 World Cup will witness Messi and Ronaldo participate in their sixth World Cup in their careers. Messi will turn 39 during the tournament, while Ronaldo is 41 years old. Although age is increasing, the conquering aspiration of the two superstars has not decreased at all.
They are not rare cases. The 2026 World Cup is likely to be the final stage for a generation of veteran players, who have extended their careers thanks to the development of sports science, modern nutrition, professionalism and a constant desire to conquer.
In the past, legends like Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff or Bobby Moore all ended their World Cup journey when they were much younger. Today, world football witnesses many players still maintaining their class at the age of late 30 or even over 40.
Messi has now surpassed Lothar Matthaus' record of 25 appearances at the World Cup. He and Ronaldo will become the rare players in history to participate in six consecutive World Cups. Luka Modric is also facing the opportunity to join this group of legends if Croatia continues to participate in the biggest football festival on the planet.
The Croatian midfielder will turn 41 in September and prepare to reach the milestone of 200 appearances for the national team. Meanwhile, Messi is likely to reach a similar milestone before the World Cup kicks off. Ronaldo has even surpassed that number a long time ago.
Modric continues to be a symbol of Croatia's unexpected success in the past decade. Accompanying him is Ivan Perisic, the hero of the 2018 World Cup campaign and also approaching the milestone of 200 caps for the national team.
In South America, James Rodriguez still holds the leading role of Colombia for more than a decade after the explosive 2014 World Cup. Although he went through a period of unemployment earlier this year before joining Minnesota United, this talented midfielder is still an indispensable factor in the national team jersey.
Neymar is also preparing to enter the World Cup, which may be the last in his career. After surpassing Pele's scoring record for the Brazilian national team, the 34-year-old superstar still lacks a World Cup title to complete his legacy. Teammate Casemiro is also likely to enter the final major tournament in Selecao colors.
In the French national team, N'Golo Kante continues to play an important role even though he has turned 35. The 2018 World Cup champion is still expected to bring energy and reliable interception ability in midfield.
Belgium also possesses a remarkable squad of veterans. Kevin De Bruyne will turn 35 before the knockout round, Axel Witsel is 37 years old, and Romelu Lukaku is no longer at his peak. However, they are still important pillars in Belgium's journey to conquer the World Cup.
England can witness Jordan Henderson become the first player of this country to participate in four World Cups. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk will turn 35 and continue to be the leader of the Dutch defense.
Mohamed Salah is also trying to make up for past regrets after missing the 2022 World Cup with the Egyptian national team. For Sadio Mane, the tournament in North America may be the final farewell to the World Cup stage.
Bosnia & Herzegovina creates a special story when Edin Dzeko returns to the World Cup after 12 years of waiting. This veteran striker still maintains his desire to contribute at the age of 40.
Another notable case is Manuel Neuer. The German goalkeeper has withdrawn his decision to retire from the national team to return to the 2026 World Cup, and is the last member to still play in the 2014 World Cup champion generation.
However, extending his career also comes with many risks. Nicolas Otamendi is currently 38 years old but is still a pillar in Argentina's defense. Raul Jimenez is preparing to participate in his fourth World Cup with Mexico, while Guillermo Ochoa at the age of 40 may become one of the few players to participate in six World Cups.
And then, among many legends who still do not want to stop, the focus of attention in the football world will still be on Messi and Ronaldo. Both will continue to extend their great competition to the third decade.
