Will Lionel Messi Or Cristiano Ronaldo Play In The 2030 World Cup?: 'Too Much Demand'

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have taken in their "last dance" at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats featured at the 2026 event, as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo will be 45 when FIFA’s flagship competition takes center stage once more. His eternal rival, South American superstar Messi, is set to turn 43 in four years’ time. 

Given all that they have achieved across their remarkable careers to date, it seems foolish to rule anything out when it comes to a couple of iconic figures. Time will, however, catch up with them eventually.

Ronaldo still has a year left to run on his contract at Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr, and has offered no indication that retirement is being considered, while Messi is tied to terms at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 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 is hoping to see Messi add to his haul of 207 caps.

It may be that both legends play on for now, with no big decisions being rushed into. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Portugal - making it a spectacle that holds added appeal to Ronaldo. Messi has just savored final heartache and missed out on a second global title.

(Getty/GOAL)

Will either still be pulling on the colors of their country when the next World Cup throws open its doors? Responding to that question, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate