Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi... Neymar? Is the Qatar World Cup their swansong?

The 2022 World Cup is a first in many respects, but could also be the last time we see some of the biggest names on the international stage. Perennial Ballon d’Or challengers Robert Lewandowski, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are all into their thirties and while there are no doubts over the fitness of the Portuguese and Polish strikers, both the former Barcelona men appear to be struggling a little this season.

Ad/> When the World Cup rolls around in North America, it is conceivable that none of them will feature in Mexico, the United States and Canada, even if playing in America is still part of their career goals. Here’s how things stand for the four veteran world beaters.

World CupMapping out England's journey to the World Cup final2 HOURS AGO Cristiano Ronaldo (37 years old, 41 at 2026 World Cup) Ronaldo has recently said that he aims to play past 40, and in the run-up to the play-off win over North Macedonia earlier this week, he claimed that it would be his decision when he would walk away from international football. It displays perhaps a misguided perception of his authority within the Portuguese national setup, but also a well-earned confidence that he remains the master of his own destiny and in excellent physical shape.

While it appears that at Manchester United his powers have noticeably waned over the course of 2021 with no serious resurgence in 2022, there is not yet a better striker for his country, nor is there one who displays such commitment to performing at the best of his ability. World Cup draw: As it happened England could face Scotland, Wales or Ukraine in Group with United States and Iran Rashford and Tomori in? The 23 England players who should go to Qatar The appeal for Ronaldo to