The 2022 World Cup in Qatar looks set to be the final swansong for a number of legendary players that have defined the modern era of football.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo look like they’ve got one chance to finally get their hands on the one major trophy that’s always evaded them, but they’re not the only iconic players that look likely to play in their last World Cup.
There are some incredible players from footballing powerhouses like France, Spain, Germany, Brazil and Belgium that are on track to bow out of the international game after Qatar.
Here are 11 all-time greats we can’t wait to see one last time on the biggest stage of all.
Lionel Messi
The legendary Argentinian finally lifted silverware with the national team last summer at the Copa America – and it looks as though Qatar 2022 will be his last chance to win the biggest one of all.
La Albiceleste came oh so close in Brazil in 2014 before looking a total shambles in Russia four years ago under Jorge Sampaoli.
There looks to be more balance and defensive solidity to them with pragmatic coach Lionel Scaloni at the helm, with a platform for Messi to make the difference.
He was the top scorer and top assister at the Copa America in 2021, with a direct hand in all of Argentina’s goals. Replicate that formula in Qatar and they have an outside chance.
“I don’t know what I will do after the World Cup. I am thinking about what is coming. After Qatar, I will have to reassess many things,” Argentina’s all-time top scorer and appearance-maker said.
Messi had his issues at PSG last season, but he still looks happy representing his nation.
READ: Scaloni’s right – forget Messi’s future & bask in his reverse-pass glory now
Cristiano Ronaldo
Before Ronaldo’s international debut in 2004, Portugal had only qualified for six major tournaments. Since then, he’s helped them reach 10 in a row – five World Cups and five European Championships – while scoring a ridiculous 117 goals in 189 appearances.
Whisper it but it looks as though the all-time top goalscorer in international football might finally be slowing down.
There’s been a debate at Manchester United this season about whether Ronaldo is more of a hindrance than a help and there are also increasingly the same murmurings within Portugal – where he’s understandably seen as a god.
He’ll be 41 come the 2026 World Cup in North America and even for him, it’s a stretch to imagine he’ll still be going at the top…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football365…