10 Stars Who Could Be Playing in Their Last World Cup

With the knockout stages underway, several football icons may be competing in their last World Cup. Here is a ranking of 10 stars who could be making their final appearances on the global stage.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Best finish: Winner (2022)

Messi, now 39, continues to defy age. After winning the World Cup in 2022 at 35, he chose not to retire from international football. He holds the record for most World Cup goals (19) and has eight assists. He has scored in seven consecutive World Cup matches. In 2014, he won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player despite Argentina's final loss to Germany. He repeated the feat in 2022, leading Argentina to their first title since 1986. This is his sixth World Cup; only Cristiano Ronaldo has also played in six as an outfield player. His next match will be his 30th World Cup appearance for Argentina, part of a career with over 200 caps. It will feel strange at the 2030 World Cup when, in all likelihood, he will not be playing.

2. Luka Modric (Croatia)

Best finish: Runners-up (2018)

On Saturday, Modric, at 40 years and 291 days, became the oldest player to record a World Cup assist. "He plays as if he were 20 years old. He was incredible. He's our leader and our best player," said teammate Petar Sucic. Croatia's recent World Cup performances highlight his legacy: in 2018, they stunned the world by reaching the final, losing to France; in 2022, they finished third. Modric's display across 120 minutes as a 37-year-old against Brazil in the quarter-final was a standout. For a nation of under four million, Croatia's runs are remarkable. Only five players have more than Modric's 22 World Cup appearances across five tournaments. He debuted in 2006 and has over 200 caps for his country.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Best finish: Semi-final (2006)

The World Cup remains the one major trophy that has eluded Ronaldo. No player has more international caps (231) or goals (145) than the 41-year-old, who debuted for Portugal in 2003. He led Portugal to the 2016 European Championship title but has not bettered the 2006 semi-final run in six World Cups. He has scored 10 goals in 25 World Cup appearances and is the only man to score at six World Cups. Portugal's emphasis on playing around him is a constant talking point. Ronaldo knows this is probably his last chance. "I'm back," he said after scoring twice against Uzbekistan last week. Back, but for how long?

4. Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Best finish: Winner (2014)

Neuer, 40, may be judged on recent unconvincing performances, but Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann asked him to come out of international retirement for a reason. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper is one of the greatest of all time. He won the World Cup in 2014 and the Golden Glove that summer. This is his fifth World Cup; he has played 23 times at the finals since his debut in 2010. A forgettable tournament this time, with Germany exiting in the last 32, may tarnish his World Cup legacy, but he will forever be remembered as a 2014 World Cup winner.

5. Neymar (Brazil)

Best finish: Semi-final (2014)

When thinking of Neymar at a World Cup, Brazil's 2014 home campaign comes to mind. He scored four goals before a tournament-ending injury in the quarter-final against Colombia. Brazil went on to suffer a historic 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-final. Neymar has since played in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but Brazil have not reached the final. Now 33, this may be his last chance to lead Brazil to a sixth World Cup title.