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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have defined football for two decades, but the  Wc 2026 raises a bittersweet question: ​Could these legends grace the tournament one last time? With Ronaldo turning ​41 and Messi ​39 by 2026, we analyze their realistic chances based on current form, national team dynamics, and historical precedents.



​Table of Contents

​Age and Physical Realities

​Current Club Form: MLS vs Saudi Pro League

​National Team Futures: Portugal and Argentina’s Plans

​Historical Precedents: Oldest World Cup Players

​Expert Predictions and Likelihood

​FAQs (Retirement plans, replacements, etc.)

​1. Age and Physical Realities

No outfield player in World Cup history has started a match past age 40. Here’s how Ronaldo and Messi compare:



​Player        ​Age in 2026        ​2024 Club Minutes        ​Recent Injury History

Cristiano Ronaldo        41        2,890 (Al Nassr)        Minor knee strain (2023)

Lionel Messi        39        1,950 (Inter Miami)        Hamstring (missed 8 games in 2024)

Key Challenges:



​Recovery Time: Muscle injuries take 2–3x longer to heal post-35.

​Speed Decline: Ronaldo’s sprints dropped from 33.4 km/h (2018) to 30.1 km/h (2024).

​Tournament Load: 2026 will have ​7 matches in 30 days for finalists.

​2. Current Club Form: MLS vs Saudi Pro League

​Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

​2024 Stats: 32 goals in 34 games; 3rd in Saudi Pro League scoring.

​Role: Central striker, fewer defensive duties.

​Limitation: League’s low intensity (ranked 27th globally) masks fitness gaps.

​Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

​2024 Stats: 14 goals, 12 assists in 22 games; MLS Best XI lock.

​Role: Deep-lying playmaker, avoids high-press systems.

​Edge: MLS’s summer break (March–October) allows longer offseason recovery.

​3. National Team Futures

​Portugal’s Dilemma

​New Stars: Gonçalo Ramos (23), João Neves (19), and Rafael Leão (25) are ascending.

​Manager Roberto Martínez: Prefers youth; dropped Ronaldo for 2024 friendlies.

​Path to 2026: Ronaldo must accept a super-sub role (like Pepe at 39 in 2022).

​Argentina’s Sentimental Choice

​Scaloni’s Loyalty: “If Leo wants to play, we’ll carry him in a wheelchair” (2023 quote).

​Reality Check: Messi played just 56 mins in 2024 wc qualifiers; Julián Álvarez is now the main #10.

​Wildcard: Coppa América 2024 performance could sway Scaloni.

​4. Historical Precedents

Only three outfield players over 38 have featured in a World Cup:



​Roger Milla (Cameroon, 42 in 1994): Scored at 42 but started 0 games.

​Essam El-Hadary (Egypt GK, 45 in 2018): Played 1 group game.

​Pepe (Portugal, 39 in 2022): Started 4 games but struggled vs Morocco’s speed.

Takeaway: Non-goalkeepers over 40 are tactical gambles, not starters.



​5. Expert Predictions

​Paul Merson (Sky Sports): “Ronaldo’s ego won’t accept a bench role. 10% chance.”

​Gabriela Marcotti (ESPN): “Messi might get a farewell sub appearance if Argentina qualifies early.”

​Opta Analyst: Ronaldo’s 2026 chances: 8%; Messi: 15%.



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