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%.
wcqualifiershttps://www.wcqualifiers.com/
wc2026https://www.wcqualifiers.com/
