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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will probably have had their “last dance” in the World Cup final, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats were in attendance at the 2026 event as their enduring exploits delighted audiences around the world, but Argentina and Portugal could be left without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.
How old will Messi and Ronaldo be in 2030?
Portuguese superstar Ronaldo will be 45 when FIFA’s flagship competition takes center stage again. His eternal rival, South American superstar Messi, is expected to turn 43 in four years.
Considering everything they’ve accomplished in their remarkable career thus far, it seems crazy to rule anything out when it comes to a few iconic figures. But time will eventually catch up with them.
Ronaldo has one year remaining on his contract with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr and has given no indication his retirement is being considered, while Messi is tied to terms at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami until 2028.
New Portugal boss Jorge Jesus – who worked with CR7 in the Middle East last season – has left the door open for the most iconic No.7 to extend his international career until Euro 2028. The Argentina camp will be hoping to see Messi add to his tally of 207 caps.
The two legends may continue to play for the time being, with no major decisions being made in a hurry. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Portugal, making it a spectacle that will appeal even more to Ronaldo. Messi has just savored the final heartbreak and missed out on a second world title.
Will Ronaldo or Messi get the 2030 World Cup?
Will one or the other still wear the colors of their country when the next World Cup opens its doors? Responding to this question, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate and ex-MLS star Silvestre – speaking in association with online casino BetVictor – told GOAL: “I think they have to think about it about legacy. I don’t think it would make sense from a sporting point of view to still try to play.”
“There are too many demands on the physical side of the game, not on the technical side. The physical side is tough. I don’t expect them to play the next World Cup in four years.”
Silvestre added that Messi and Ronaldo have extended their club careers, with trophy exploits still delivered at this level: “Apart from the World Cup, which lasts four years, I am not ending their careers.”
“These guys are so passionate about the game. They are still making an impact and are dedicated to their careers. All that matters is playing well and winning trophies. I don’t see them giving up anytime soon.”
How Ronaldo and Messi responded to 2026 World Cup heartbreak
Ronaldo said after watching Portugal bow out of the 2026 World Cup against Spain in the round of 16: “I’m sad to leave like this but I gave everything, I always gave the best of myself. I’m going there with a clear conscience. That’s football, that’s the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You have to keep going. It was my last World Cup, yes.”
Messi posted on the Internet after suffering the final agony with Argentina against Spain: “The pain is immense and this injury will take time to heal. But I also keep all the good things. The matches that we achieved by giving the best of ourselves – moments that will remain forever in our memories – and the support of an entire country which, combined with the work and efforts of this group, brought us back among the world elite. It is difficult to fully appreciate our achievement at the moment, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again we have managed to come together as a country and stay united, sharing the immense pride of being Argentinian. I would also like to congratulate Spain on their victory in the championship.”
Messi and Ronaldo play with Inter Miami and Al-Nassr
No indication was given there regarding future international plans, with Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni also addressing the topic after returning to South America for celebrations with a loyal fan base.
Ronaldo and Messi have never been the sort of figures to shy away from a challenge and positively revel in opportunities to silence doubters and rewrite the history books. However, it would be somewhat surprising if both countries participated in a seventh World Cup in 2030.
