End of an era in Qatar? What next for Messi, Ronaldo & Neymar

Time catches up with everyone, even the most talented and naturally gifted players. FIFA World Cup 2022 is no different, as several stars will likely be playing at their last-ever international tournament.

The FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be the end or at least the beginning of the end of a golden era in football. It is a footballing era that we will be very lucky to see again. They have been the standout players of their generation in the last two decades. They have topped goal-scoring and awards charts consistently over the years. Yet this world cup will see some of the biggest names in world football exit the international stage.
We have been blessed to have witnessed these players light up stadiums with their talent. We have also seen them stun opposition fans into silence with their skill. Yet, with age comes diminishing powers, reducing their once blistering pace. These players have undoubtedly cemented their legacy as some of the greatest talents football has ever seen. Still, FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar could be their swansong.
Here are some of the football greats who could be playing their final act in Qatar.
Cristiano Ronaldo

At 37, the Portuguese international is entering the twilight years of his career. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner finds himself in unfamiliar territory. His homecoming has gone horribly wrong. He is currently without a club after Manchester United terminated his contract following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
He has been one of the standout players of his generation since his breakout 2006/07 season under legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Now gracing his fifth World Cup, CR7, as he is popularly known to his fans, will be wondering what the future holds for him.
He has won numerous accolades during the course of his career, but the World Cup success has eluded Ronaldo thus far. Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most popular footballers in the world. According to ExpressVPN, Manchester United, Ronaldo's immediate former club are among England's most streamed teams alongside top four rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Spurs. That's particularly the case in the north of that country, of course.
He will be 41 when the next world cup rolls around, this could be his last tournament. However, do not write him off just yet. A mentality monster, Cristiano Ronaldo enjoys such a fanatic following due to his hard work, resilience, and on-field exploits. Considering his international teammate defender Pepe is 39, maybe Ronaldo has one more international tournament left in his legs. We might see CR7 gracing the UEFA Euro 2024 after all; who knows?
Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers ever to grace the beautiful game. It is no fluke that the Argentine has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards and six European Golden shoe awards. Blessed with a wand of a left foot, the diminutive forward has previously come close to winning the World Cup. In the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014, it took a 113th-minute goal from Germany’s Mario Gotze to deny Messi a World Cup medal.
According to The Mirror, Messi has already hinted that this could be his last international tournament. Still, the mercurial forward has a pivotal role to play for both club and country, The best La Masia product is no stranger to international duty retirement. He announced his retirement from international football in 2016 following a Copa America final loss to Chile. Messi later had a change of heart and rescinded that decision. Leo has since gone on to guide Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021.
Regarded as one of most famous footballers ever, if the Paris Saint Germaine attacker does not hang his boots after the 2022 World Cup, he could feature in the 2024 Copa America. He will be 37 years old by then. We will have to wait and see how the magician fares in Qatar.
Neymar

Neymar is the youngest of the three. At 30, he could still feature in at least one more World Cup calling it quits. Once regarded as the Messi heir apparent, some may argue that the Brazilian has failed to live up to his full potential. Of course, injuries have played a significant role in stalling his progression.
Neymar is widely regarded as one of the most popular modern footballers. The Sao Paulo native still holds the record for the most expensive football transfer for his 2017 move from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germaine.
On his day, Neymar is unplayable. The forward has scored 430 career goals in 696 games. If you are looking for skills, flair, and pace, Neymar is the player. With the possible retirement of Cristiano and Messi, it would be the perfect chance for Neymar. But only if he can stay injury free. Here is to hoping Neymar stays fit.