Cristiano Ronaldo & the 2022 World Cup farewell tour

The 2022 World Cup will deliver plenty of firsts, not least the fact that FIFA’s flagship event is making history by being staged in the Middle East, but it will also conjure up a number of lasts. While certain curtains are being raised in Qatar, others are on the way down.

Into that category slip a number of iconic performers who have appeared almost evergreen down the years. Time, though, catches up with everybody eventually and even the very best in the business have to accept at some point that a day has come in which to hang up professional boots.

There is no indication that a collection of legendary figures are preparing to waltz off into the sunset when another major final comes to a close in December, but the World Cup may be bidding farewell to their considerable presence.

Remarkable

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar have illuminated many illustrious stages over the course of their quite remarkable careers, but none can claim to have captured the most prestigious prize in their chosen profession.

That may be about to change, with Portugal, Argentina and Brazil sitting among the favorites to go all the way when another global crown comes up for grabs. For those mulling over the form and many markets available, a helping hand from the data-driven simulators at https://www.thepunterspage.com/kickform/football-worldcup/ may help to offer nudges in the right direction as predictions are drawn up for what are notoriously difficult events to navigate.

If Messrs Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar go well, then their respective nations will be there or thereabouts when the final prizes are handed out. All three appear to have added incentives when it comes to collecting the most sought-after of gold medals.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi has admitted on https://www.espn.com/football/argentina-arg/story/4762702/lionel-messi-says-2022-world-cup-with-argentina-will-be-his-last that 2022 is likely to be his last shot at World Cup glory, with club colleague Neymar making similar statements, while Manchester United frontman Ronaldo will have past a 40th birthday by the time the next tournament heads to America, Canada and Mexico.

Brilliance

As the youngest member of the trio, it may be that Brazil captain Neymar is talked into one more four-year cycle if the Selecao come up short again in 2026, but there are no guarantees. As things stand, a farewell tour of epic proportions appears to have been set in motion.

Many, with personal allegiance taken out of the equation, would not begrudge Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar an opportunity to sign off in the best possible style. Their exploits down the years, particularly two men with 12 Ballons d’Or and a stunning collection of records covered by https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-lionel-messi-who-is-the-goat-football-stats-/ual7d33i8hjz14plhwkf2yvkr between them, have seen bars of individual brilliance raised to heights that have never been seen before.

In some ways it is fitting that they will bow out at the same time, with their careers having been defined by appearances alongside and against one another. Their tales are intertwined and will be regaled long after days have come to head into retirement. That point may not be too far off, but all good things must come to an end and opportunities are there to ensure the final chapter delivers a suitably thrilling climax.