Lionel Messi finished his fifth and final FIFA World Cup campaign by lifting the trophy for Argentina as the Albiceleste beat France in the penalty shootouts at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday, December 18 to win the coveted prize after 36 years. In what has been called the final of all ages, Argentina were the worthy winner after taking the lead twice, but France proved that they were worthy opponents after Mbappe scored a hat-trick but in vain. Messi scored two goals and then another in a shootout as Argentina lifted their first World Cup title since 1986 and third overall.
Let's take a look at five legendary players who won't feature in FIFA World Cup again.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 37 years old, would be 41 years old by the next World Cup in 2026. Thus, the Portuguese phenomenon's World Cup dream comes to an end. Portugal were defeated by Morocco in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Ronaldo could only score one goal in FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
Lionel Messi
Messi made it clear ahead of the final that the match against France would be his last dance in the quadrennial global spectacle. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner scored seven goals and assisted three more in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also overhauled Pele's mark of 12 goals in World Cups. Messi finished his World Cup career with 13 goals.
Robert Lewandowski
The World Cup in Qatar was also the last for Poland's Robert Lewandowski, who is currently 34 years old and will be 38 in 2026. Poland were eliminated from the 2022 FIFA World Cup by Argentina in the Round of 16 stage. The Barcelona forward has scored 78 goals in 131 international appearances.
Luis Suarez
Uruguay's Luis Suarez World Cup dream also came to an end as he will be 39 years old by the time next World Cup arrives in 2026. Suarez has scored seven goals in the quadrennial global spectacle.
Luka Modric
Considered widely as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Luka Modric helped Croatia finish second in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and third in Qatar. Currently 37 years old, the Real Madrid maestro will be 41 years old in 2026.
