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Will Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo feature at the 2030 World Cup? Former MLS and Premier League star makes future prediction in ‘winning trophies’ admission

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have already played their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. The two all-time greats appeared at the 2026 edition, with their evergreen brilliance delighting fans around the world, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament arrives.

How old will Messi & Ronaldo be in 2030?

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

With everything they have achieved across their remarkable careers so far, it would be unwise to rule out anything when it comes to two iconic figures. Even so, time will eventually catch up with them.

Ronaldo still has one year left on his contract with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr, and has given no sign that retirement is under consideration, while Messi is tied to terms with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami until 2028.

New Portugal coach 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 tally of 207 caps.

It could be that both legends continue for now, with no major decisions being rushed. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Portugal - which makes it a spectacle with extra appeal for Ronaldo. Messi has just endured final heartbreak and missed out on a second global title.

Will Ronaldo or Messi feature at the 2030 World Cup?

Will either still be wearing their national colours when the next World Cup opens its doors? Answering that question, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United team-mate and ex-MLS star Silvestre - speaking in association with BetVictor Online Casino - told GOAL: “I think the legacy, they need to think about it. I don't think it would make sense on the sporting side to be trying to play still.

“There's too much demand on the physical side of the game, not on the technical side. The physical side, it's hard. I don't expect them to play the next World Cup in four years' time.”

Silvestre added on club careers being extended by Messi and Ronaldo, with trophy-winning exploits still being delivered at that level: “Apart from the World Cup, which is four years, I don't put any end to their career.

“These guys are passionate about the game that much. They are still so impactful and dedicated to their career. All that matters is playing well and winning trophies. I don't see them hanging their boots any time soon.”

How Ronaldo & Messi responded to 2026 World Cup heartbreak

Ronaldo said after seeing Portugal bow out of the 2026 World Cup against Spain in the round of 16: “I am sad to leave like this but I have given everything, always given my best. I go with a clear conscience. This is football, it is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You have to carry on. It was my last World Cup, yes.”

Messi posted online after suffering final agony with Argentina against Spain: “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things. The matches we turned around by giving it our all - moments that will remain in our memories forever - and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group's hard work and effort, brought us back among the world's elite once again. It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine. I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”

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Messi & Ronaldo playing on with Inter Miami & Al-Nassr

No hints were offered there when it comes to international future plans, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni having also avoided that topic after returning to South America for celebrations with a loyal fan base.

Ronaldo and Messi have never been the kind of personalities to step back from a challenge and they have often relished the chance to silence critics and rewrite the record books. It would, though, be a surprise if both were to appear in a seventh World Cup in 2030.