Will Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo participate in the 2030 World Cup?

The two great legends of the football world, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, may have already played their final World Cups. Although fans dream of seeing them on the big stage again, experts and former players believe time is taking its toll. Notably, former France national team defender Mikaël Silvestre expressed his doubts on the matter. This is reported by Goal.com .

In an interview with Goal.com, Silvestre downplayed the chances of the two stars participating in the 2030 tournament. In his opinion, while technical skill remains, the physical demands of modern football are too strenuous for players over 40. By the time of the 2030 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo will be 45 and Lionel Messi will be 43.

Physical condition and sporting legacy

Mikaël Silvestre justifies his opinion as follows: "I think they should think about their legacy. From a sporting point of view, trying to play at that age does not make sense. The demand for physical fitness in football is very high, and it is becoming more important than technical skill. I don't expect to see them at the World Cup in four years."

Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo has a contract with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and has not spoken openly about retiring. The new coaching staff of the Portugal national team also emphasizes that the doors are open for the legendary number 7, and he could remain with the team until Euro 2028. The fact that the 2030 World Cup will also be held in Portugal could increase Ronaldo's motivation, but the age factor remains the main obstacle.

What are the plans for Messi and Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi has a deal with the US club Inter Miami until 2028. The forward, who has played 207 matches for the Argentina national team, is still the main leader of his country. Although he achieved his main goal after the victory in Qatar, fans are hoping he will participate in at least the 2026 tournament.

For football fans in Uzbekistan, every step of these two stars also arouses great interest. Although experienced players are seen playing for a long time in our national championship, participating in high-intensity tournaments like the World Cup after the age of 40 is considered an almost impossible task. If Messi or Ronaldo take the field in 2030, it will become an absolute record in football history.

In conclusion, it can be said that both players have conquered all possible peaks in their careers. According to Silvestre, it is highly likely that their "last dance" has already ended, and fans should now prepare for the era of the new generation, specifically stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.