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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have probably taken their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats were at the 2026 event as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal could be without their respective GOATS when the 2030 tournament rolls around.
How old will Messi and Ronaldo be in 2030?
Portuguese superstar Ronaldo turns 45 when FIFA’s flagship competition takes center stage once again. His eternal rival, the South American superstar Messi, will turn 43 in four years.
Considering all they’ve accomplished throughout their remarkable careers to date, it seems foolish to rule anything out when it comes to a pair of iconic figures. Time will eventually catch up with them though.
Ronaldo still has a year to run on his contract at Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr and has given no indication that retirement is being considered, while Messi is tied to 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 of No.7s to extend his international career through Euro 2028. The Argentina camp hope to see Messi add to his haul of 207 caps.
It may be that both legends play on for the time being without any big decisions to be made. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Portugal – making it a spectacle that further appeals to Ronaldo. Messi just enjoyed the latest heartbreak and missed out on another global title.
Will Ronaldo or Messi reach the World Cup in 2030?
Will either still be pulling on their country’s colors when the next World Cup opens? In response to that question, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate and former MLS star Silvestre – in connection with BetVictor Online Casino – told GOAL: “I think the legacy, they have to think about it. I don’t think it would make sense on the sporting side to try to still play.”
“There is too much demand on the physical side of the game, not on the technical side. The physical side, it’s difficult. I don’t expect them to play the next World Cup in four years.”
Silvestre added that club careers were extended by Messi and Ronaldo, with trophy-winning feats still delivered at that level: “Apart from the World Cup, which is four years, I don’t put an end to their careers.”
“These guys are so passionate about the game. They are still so impactful and dedicated to their careers. The only thing that matters is playing well and winning trophies. I don’t see them hanging up their boots anytime soon.”
How Ronaldo and Messi reacted to heartbreak at the 2026 World Cup
After watching Portugal bow out of the 2026 World Cup against Spain in the round of 16, Ronaldo said: “I’m sad to leave like this, but I’ve given everything, always given my best. I’m leaving with a clear conscience. This is football, it’s a footballer’s life. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You have to keep going. It was my last World Cup.”
Messi wrote online after suffering final pain with Argentina against Spain: “The pain is huge and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold on to all the good things. The matches we turned around by giving it our all – moments that will remain in our memories forever – and the support of an entire country which, combined with the hard work and efforts of this group, brought us back fully again among the world’s elite, but now it is right that it is right. this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again we managed to unite as a country and stand together and share the immense pride of being Argentines. I also want to congratulate Spain for winning the championship.”
Messi and Ronaldo continue to play with Inter Miami and Al-Nassr
No hints were offered there when it comes to future international plans, with Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni also steering clear of the subject after heading back to South America to celebrate with a loyal fan base.
Ronaldo and Messi have never been the type of characters to back down from a challenge and positively revel in opportunities to silence doubters and rewrite the history books. However, it would come as something of a surprise if both were to make a seventh World Cup in 2030.
