CORNERFLICK
The next World Cup is likely to be staged without Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar for the first time in almost 20 years.
With the 2026 finals approaching, football is set to enter a new era after a generation shaped by three players who helped define the modern game. Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar have been central figures at the tournament for nearly two decades.
All three have broken major records and delivered some of the World Cup's most memorable moments. Their influence has stretched far beyond one competition, but their next appearance on the global stage now looks unlikely.
If 2026 is their last World Cup, it will close a remarkable chapter in tournament history. Their legacy, though, will remain tied to the competition for years to come.