With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 16 months away, doubts remain over whether football’s three biggest stars—Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar—will still be competing at the highest level during the tournament, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Enduring Competitor
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently turned 40, faces a challenging prospect as he will be 41 when the tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026. After a dramatic exit from the 2018 World Cup—where he was visibly emotional following Portugal’s quarter-final defeat to Morocco—Ronaldo has since demonstrated his relentless scoring ability. He registered five goals in five appearances during the UEFA Nations League last year and continues to find the net for Al Nassr. With a career total of 923 goals and the potential to reach the coveted 1,000-goal milestone during the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo has repeatedly declared his competitive fire.
“I’m so competitive that sometimes I forget what I’ve achieved,” he once said. “Because it gives me motivation to do more and do better every year… I think that’s the difference with others.”
Ronaldo now appears determined to etch his name in history as the first player to appear in six World Cups.
Lionel Messi: The Unyielding Maestro
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who will be 38 at the start of the tournament, had previously hinted that the 2022 World Cup might have been his last international appearance. However, with his move to Inter Miami in 2023 and an increasing influence in Major League Soccer, Messi seems poised to continue his international legacy.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni recently noted,
“Both he and his teammates are aware that there is a reasonable amount of time left and that we are all keen to play in the World Cup.”
Messi’s enduring star power and leadership remain vital to Argentina’s quest to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.
Neymar: The Uncertain Future of Brazil’s Icon
Brazil’s Neymar, the nation’s all-time leading scorer, will be 34 at the start of the 2026 tournament. However, his future is the most uncertain of the trio due to recurrent injuries that have plagued him in recent years. After a brief and injury-riddled spell with Al Hilal—where he made only seven appearances—Neymar has returned to his boyhood club Santos. Although he hasn’t played for Brazil since October 2023, Neymar remains determined to regain his best form. Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, he emphasized his commitment:
“Since I got injured, my focus has always been on getting back to playing and representing the Brazilian national team.”
Despite setbacks at the 2022 World Cup, where an early injury and a penalty shootout loss left him “psychologically destroyed,” Neymar is hopeful that his rehabilitation and renewed focus will see him back on the international stage.
The Final Word
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, the question of whether this superstar trio will grace the tournament remains a hot topic. While Ronaldo appears more determined than ever to push his limits, Messi’s vast experience and ongoing contributions, even at 38, make him an indispensable leader. Neymar, despite his injury concerns, still has the talent and drive to make a significant impact.
Only time will tell if all three can overcome their individual challenges and shine at what promises to be the biggest World Cup in history.
Fans and pundits alike await further updates on their international futures as the tournament draws nearer, with the stage set for one of the most intriguing questions in modern football.
