Will Lionel Messi Or Cristiano Ronaldo Play In The 2030 World Cup?: 'Too Much Demand'

Ex-Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre thinks it’s unlikely either Messi or Ronaldo will play the 2030 World Cup, citing the physical demands at their ages.
Both remain active and winning at club level (Ronaldo at Al‑Nassr; Messi with Inter Miami through 2028), so neither looks ready to retire from club football.
Ronaldo hinted 2026 might have been his last World Cup and Messi posted an emotional reflection after the loss — 2030 would see them at 45 and 43, making a return unlikely but still a talking point.