Will Ronaldo, Neymar and Messi deliver?

This could be the last appearance for the three footballing greats at the FIFA World Cup

- Sayan Mukherjee

If this were to be their final appearances at the FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar would be keen to make the most of the showpiece event.

For over a decade the trio have been the headliners, successful in capturing the imagination of a generation of global fans with their consistency and quality. For six weeks from 11 June, they won’t be short on motivation, perhaps for different reasons, to make their final bow memorable. But the World Cup is hardly won on reputation, with multiple challenges confronting any team in pursuit of glory.

The 2026 edition would be no different and perhaps more demanding as it would be played in intense summer heat and with an added knockout game due to an enlarged 48-team edition.

Among them, Messi is certainly the best placed to help his national team mount a serious challenge. After all, from the moment he lifted the World Cup as Argentina captain in Qatar four years ago, the pressure to emulate Diego Maradona was no longer on his shoulders.

Comparisons with Maradona over technical and leadership qualities, allegations of not being Argentine enough, reserving his best for FC Barcelona and seemingly flunking under pressure in crunch international games, all evaporated overnight.

His aim would now be to do one better than Maradona, who had faltered in the final hurdle in the 1990 edition, while leading Argentina in their title defence.