The final act for three legends

For three generational stars, this World Cup is likely to be a swansong. Lionel Messi, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo will all feature in what could be their final appearance on football’s biggest stage. The tournament in 2026 brings together not only the best teams but also the iconic figures who have defined the sport for nearly two decades. Their presence adds a layer of emotional weight to every match, knowing that for each of them, this might be the last time they grace a World Cup pitch.

Now 38, Messi is still delivering the goods on a regular basis for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, while Ronaldo, aged 41, is doing the same for Al-Nassr, where he recently won the Saudi Pro League title for the first time. Neymar, at 34, is also deep into the twilight of his career. The Brazilian forward made a sentimental return to Santos last year, 12 years after he left his boyhood club for Barcelona. Injuries have been an issue recently, but there are still moments of magic in his play that remind the world of his extraordinary talent.

The Messi situation: still the heartbeat of Argentina

Priced at 16/1 to win the Golden Boot, Messi is clearly fancied to make an impact on another World Cup with only four players (Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Mikel Oyarzabal and Erling Haaland) shorter to score the most goals. This pricing reflects not just his enduring quality but also the central role he plays for Argentina. As a team, Argentina still revolves around Messi, who registered more goals and assists (11) than any other player in CONMEBOL qualifying. He also averaged more shots per 90 minutes and created more chances, highlighting just how central he is to Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Anyone who has recently watched Messi for Inter Miami will also know how he is peaking at the right time for this summer’s tournament. Indeed, Messi signed off for the World Cup break in MLS with 12 goal contributions in just five games. While he came off early in his final Inter Miami game with an injury, the 38-year-old looks to be in the best shape since the last World Cup when he and his Argentina teammates got their hands on the trophy. Messi has spent the last few months doing double training sessions with Argentina and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, further emphasising his desire to be in peak condition for what will almost certainly be his final World Cup.

Beyond the statistics, Messi’s influence on the pitch remains unmatched. His ability to drop deep, link play, and unlock defenses with a single pass is a luxury that few teams can afford. Argentina’s tactical setup is built around maximizing his strengths, with runners like Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez exploiting the spaces he creates. The defending champions will rely heavily on Messi to guide them through the group stage and beyond, and his experience in high-pressure knockout matches could prove decisive. Messi is also 8/11 to score in Argentina’s opener against Algeria, a testament to his consistent goal-scoring record in international tournaments. Moreover, he is the shortest-priced player at 10/1 to win another Golden Ball, the award given to the tournament’s best player.

The Ronaldo situation: fading star or final spark?

Ronaldo remains a sharp finisher in front of goal, although unlike Messi there are doubts over his role for his national team. Indeed, there is a growing consensus that the 41-year-old might be holding back Portugal, who may have better options at this stage of the veteran’s career. Nonetheless, Ronaldo is 20/1 to win the Golden Boot at the World Cup, and there could still be some value in that price if Portugal are otherwise as strong as many believe them to be. Ronaldo will have chances created for him by the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, both of whom possess the creativity to feed the striker in dangerous areas.

While Ronaldo drew a blank in his last international outing against Chile, drawing ridicule for the standard of some of his finishing, he still scored five goals in five qualification appearances. He could still be a factor at this World Cup. However, the narrative around Ronaldo is more complex than simple goal tallies. His leadership, work rate, and influence in the dressing room remain significant, but there is a feeling that Portugal might be more fluid and dynamic with a younger, more mobile forward. Coach Roberto Martinez faces a delicate balancing act: harnessing Ronaldo’s legendary finishing while ensuring the team does not become overly reliant on a player who may no longer have the stamina to press for 90 minutes.

Ronaldo’s price of 33/1 to win the Golden Ball suggests that oddsmakers see him as a dark horse rather than a favorite. Yet, if Portugal can progress deep into the tournament, his ability to produce decisive moments in knockout games could justify his odds. The Portugal squad is deep, with talents like Diogo Costa, Rafael Leao, and Bernardo Silva, but the final outcome may hinge on Ronaldo’s form. He is also 4/6 to score in Portugal’s opener against DR Congo, a bet that many punters are considering given the expected strength of the Portuguese attack.

The Neymar situation: fighting fitness for a samba farewell

The same might not be said about Neymar. Called up to Brazil’s 26-man squad for the tournament following a media campaign in the country that verged on propaganda at times, the 34-year-old is already fighting an injury to be fit for Brazil’s opener against Morocco. Priced at 80/1 for the Golden Boot, Neymar clearly arrives at the World Cup with a point to prove. The skill in his play remains. Every so often, a viral moment reminds us all of the player he used to be, and still can be to a certain extent. Will his fitness hold up, however? That is the central question surrounding Brazil’s talisman.

Neymar’s return to Santos was a romantic story, but it also highlighted how far he has fallen from the peak of his powers. Injuries have plagued the last few seasons, limiting his game time and sharpness. Yet, when fit, Neymar remains one of the most technically gifted players in the world. His dribbling, creativity, and ability to draw fouls make him a constant threat. Brazil’s squad is loaded with attacking talent, including Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Raphinha, so Neymar’s role might be more measured than in previous tournaments. However, the team’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup could rest on his ability to produce moments of magic in tight games.

Neymar is 50/1 to win the Golden Ball, and he is not listed in the anytime goalscorer market for Brazil’s opener due to his injury concerns. If he can regain full fitness, he could be a value bet for those willing to take a chance on a player who has often thrived in the underdog role. Brazil’s group is challenging, with Morocco, Switzerland, and Serbia all capable of causing upsets, but Neymar’s experience in navigating tough tournaments cannot be overstated. He has been the focal point of Brazil’s attack for over a decade, and even at 80/1 for the Golden Boot, his price reflects the uncertainty surrounding his physical condition.

Measuring expectations: the odds and the narratives

The odds are also the shortest for Messi to win another Golden Ball on top of the one he was awarded in 2022, with the Argentina playmaker 10/1 for the prize. Ronaldo, meanwhile, is 33/1 and Neymar is 50/1. These numbers not only reflect player form but also the betting public’s emotional connection to these stars. Many punters are placing sentimental bets on the trio to succeed in their final tournament, which can sometimes skew the odds.

Of course, there are younger stars who might light up this World Cup. Mbappe is at the peak of his powers while Kane is fresh from his best-ever season at club level. The England striker netted 60 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich and could continue his sharp form in front of goal for The Three Lions. Mbappe, already a World Cup winner in 2018 and runner-up in 2022, is the favorite to win the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. Haaland, making his World Cup debut for Norway, is also a major threat, as is Oyarzabal for Spain. These younger players represent the next generation, but the presence of Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar guarantees that this tournament will be remembered as a passing of the torch.

Despite the rise of these younger talents, there is something alluring about the notion of Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo all bowing out at their final World Cup together. Each has a unique story: Messi seeking to defend the title he won in 2022 and perhaps cement his legacy as the greatest of all time; Ronaldo hoping to silence critics and lead Portugal to an improbable triumph; and Neymar aiming to finally deliver the World Cup that Brazil has craved since 2002. Their paths have intertwined over the years, with rivalries and friendships that have defined an era. One way or another, this summer will mark the end of an era at the top of the international game.

The betting markets offer a window into how each player is perceived. Messi’s odds for the Golden Boot are short, indicating confidence in Argentina’s overall strength and his central role. Ronaldo’s odds are longer, reflecting doubts about his team’s cohesion and his own form. Neymar’s odds are the longest of the three, primarily due to injury concerns. Yet, in a tournament where narratives often defy probabilities, any of these legends could still produce a fairy-tale ending. As the World Cup approaches, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if these icons can once again rise to the occasion.

Source: The Athletic News