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Manchester City defender Rúben Dias is not convinced that the 2026 World Cup will mark the end for veterans such as Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, defending champion Lionel Messi, 38, and Luka Modric, 40.
The Portuguese centre-back discussed the huge motivation his side feel to capture the only major trophy their iconic captain has failed to win.
Extra motivation for Portugal
Ahead of the highly-anticipated tournament, the Portugal international spoke about the growing narrative that this summer’s spectacle will serve as the final global showcase for several era-defining superstars.
In a recent interview with Portuguese outlet A Bola, the centre-back was asked about the prospect of this being the ultimate swansong for Argentina’s Messi, Croatia’s Modric and his own captain Ronaldo.
The World Cup remains the only major title that the legendary striker has not achieved.
Dismissing the certainty of their impending international retirement with a simple “Let’s see…”, Dias elaborated on what it would mean to win the elusive trophy. “It’s an extra motivational factor,” he explained of their historic quest.
To win it for Ronaldo
For a nation that consistently produces top talent, securing football’s most prestigious prize remains their ultimate ambition. Dias insists the team do not feel weighed down by the expectations placed on them to deliver the trophy for their talismanic striker.
Instead, they see it as a collective mission to dethrone Messi and Argentina.
Describing the team’s mindset, the defender noted: “It would be a pleasure for all of us to be able to give that moment to him, ourselves, all of Portugal, our families. It doesn’t represent extra pressure, it represents, well, an even more special desire to be part of the team. [the World Cup] and to get there to win.”
The legacy of the legendary trio
The global stage will once again be graced by three defining figures who share an incredible 14 Ballon d’Or awards between them.
Inter Miami star Messi boasts a record eight Ballon d’Or along with his 2022 World Cup triumph, two Copa America titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns.
Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo, who has five Ballon d’Ors, has taken Europe by storm with five Champions League wins and a historic Euro 2016 victory, lifting league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Modric, now with Milan, broke their duopoly in 2018 to claim his solitary Ballon d’Or, complementing his remarkable six Champions League medals won during his glittering spell in Madrid.
Group stage matches await
The three veterans face Test Group campaigns starting on June 17.
Defending champions Argentina will play Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Modric’s Croatia take on England, Panama and Ghana.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s journey against DR Congo begins before facing Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on June 27.
The heavyweights must navigate these challenging early matches to keep their ultimate championship dreams alive.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread over three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament games will be broadcast live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every game streaming live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, are televised in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as will the USA’s June 12 opener against Paraguay (9 p.m. ET).
