Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Neuer set for likely World Cup farewell in 2026 | OneFootball

Per L'Équipe, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and others are set to begin what is likely their final World Cup from Thursday.

Messi, 38, heads to a sixth finals with Argentina, aiming to retain the crown won in Qatar. After an MLS title with Inter Miami in 2025, he looks less sharp than a year ago, perhaps by design.

Ronaldo, 41, is also set for a sixth World Cup, with Portugal seeking a first. Benched in the 1-0 quarter-final loss to Morocco four years ago, the Al-Nassr striker returns as a starter.

Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa, 40, will play a sixth World Cup on home soil, though he will not start. Mexico have only reached the quarter-finals at home, in 1970 and 1986. Luka Modric, 40, should pass 200 caps and wear a mask after an April cheekbone fracture, in what is probably his last major tournament.

Neymar, 34, appears set for a final World Cup, recalled by Carlo Ancelotti after two and a half years out. A recent calf issue is said to be improving, but Brazil will hope it does not dominate their campaign.

After nearly two years out, Manuel Neuer, 40, returns for a fifth World Cup, equalling Lothar Matthäus. He will start ahead of Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Bauman, who had been number one in qualifying.

This 23rd World Cup should also be the last for Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Edin Dzeko, Jordan Henderson, David Ospina, James Rodriguez, Jordan Ayew and Fernando Muslera.

Source: L'Équipe