The 2026 World Cup may be remembered as the tournament where two of football's greatest icons took their final bows on the global stage — albeit in very different circumstances.

Lionel Messi: A Masterclass, Perhaps the Last

One of the greatest lessons from this summer's tournament was that a 39-year-old Lionel Messi remains one of the most talented, compelling, and devastating operators on a football pitch. But there might not be much longer to enjoy him.

Messi was instrumental in Argentina's route to the final, opening his World Cup with a hat-trick against Algeria and scoring in each of his team's matches up to and including the round of 16. His eight goals put him second only to Kylian Mbappe's 10, alongside four assists. It was a masterful tournament performance — but it may well be his last at a World Cup.

Following the death of his father Jorge this month, Messi voiced his "doubts" about whether he will "carry on doing it (playing football) for much longer". The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner extended his contract at Inter Miami last October, tying him to the Major League Soccer side through the 2028 season. Whether he sees out that deal remains to be seen.

Cristiano Ronaldo: A Quiet Exit and One Last Target

The 41-year-old had confirmed ahead of time that this summer's World Cup would be his last. It was not the curtain call he would have hoped for.

Ronaldo looked far from his prime: he scored twice against Uzbekistan and from the spot against Croatia, but struggled for impact throughout the tournament and was largely a passenger in Portugal's round-of-16 defeat to Spain. Roberto Martinez, who has since stepped down as head coach, put his faith in Ronaldo throughout — and it was not repaid.

He was not a footballing star of this World Cup, though he remained a big draw for spectators. Last week, Ronaldo said in an interview with Vogue that this season was "probably my last year of football". His contract with Al Nassr expires next summer — but he has one more milestone to reach. He is on 976 senior career goals, having scored 28 in the Saudi Pro League last season. The 1,000-goal mark is in his sights.

Whether either legend graces another World Cup remains unlikely. For now, fans can only savour what may be the final chapters of two extraordinary careers.