The celebrations of the FIFA World Cup 2022 have just winded down, and we are already seeing the insane excitement of the football fans for the next world cup. This world cup has already crowned one of the football champions of all time – Lionel Messi.
However, with that, the next FIFA World Cup 2026 has already swelled the fans’ hearts with excitement and a mind full of misgivings as speculation about the retirement of these two football icons is buzzing around. You must get an idea of whom we are talking about, the two legendary figures – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
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Alt Text: Will Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Play for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
From breaking records to setting new standards, these two icons have never disappointed their fans by giving incredible performances and historic wins in the football world. This article will provide a deep insight into the reasons behind this speculation and the possibilities of whether these two football icons will grace the next world cup or not.
Reasons for This Speculation
Before commenting on this growing speculation, let’s first understand the reasons behind this.
Both players need no introduction as both are knowns as GOATs of the football world, gracing several tournaments, showcasing incredible skills on the field, and giving historic wins to their teams. However, this world cup has been anticipated as their last world cup.
Its most obvious reason is their age, as Cristiano Ronaldo is 38 years old, whereas Lionel Messi is 35. It means that one would be in his early 40 or in his late 30s in the next world’s greatest tournament scheduled for 2026.
Possibilities of Their Participation in the Next World Cup
Though it is hard to determine whether these two greatest players of all time will participate in the next world cup, we can consider the possibilities of their participation.
Let’s first talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, who went out of this tournament in tears, increasing the chances of his coming back as he would not want to end his career over a defeat.
However, Ronaldo has already given two statements about his retirement that are noteworthy here. First, he mentioned in an interview in September 2022 that he does not want retirement and plans to play in World Cup 2026, which will happen in North America. He also added that his ambition is high, and he finds himself physically fit, motivated, and even more active despite being closer to his 40s.
However, he altered his previous statement in an interview with Piers Morgan in November 2022. In this interview, he declared his plans to get retirement soon, mentioning his wish to end his career as a player at 40. He added that 40 would be a good age. However, he also left the room to alter his plans again, as he mentioned that I don’t know the future.
Likewise, before World Cup 2022, he declared this tournament more likely to be his last. However, he has yet to state any clear statement after that. It is noteworthy that fans expect an alternation of his plans for getting retirement after a historic win in the 2022 world cup.
In addition, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also given a statement on the retirement of these legendary players ahead of the 2022 tournament. He stated that it is more likely to be won this tournament by either Messi or Ronaldo. Whoever losses it will try to test their luck in the next world cup.
He also added that if they take good care of their health and keep working on their skills, age would be just a figure, creating room for the possibility of participating in the next world cup, which is just three and a half years away. But he also said that it is more likely that both players will say goodbye to the international tournaments after this world cup.
Wrapping Up
To conclude, we cannot state any clear answer to this question Will Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi Play For The 2026 Fifa World Cup Or Not?
However, we have already spotlighted both players’ comments and the FIFA President’s comments over their retirement speculations. Also, it is noteworthy that fans across the globe are hoping to continue seeing their thrilled-pack competition against each other.
The countdown has already begun. Let’s see who makes his feet to the fields of North America in 2026. Fingers Crossed!
