Will Neymar, Messi, and Ronaldo play in the 2026 World Cup?

[SilverCryptoBullet]

I did not know that Neymar is currently in a condition that won't allow him to show up at the coming world cup as one of the players, thats very unfortunate for him to say the least, I can imagine how he must be feeling not being able to play in that world cup which is a time when different countries around the world often come together in love and solitude for football..

Messi and Ronaldo will certainly join World Cup 2026 as they were called for latest matches of their national teams and their performances at their clubs are still quality enough. They also have good fitness that is important for playing at a world class tournament like Word Cup 2026, and they will only miss the tournament if in coming months or during preparation of the tournament, they suddenly get injuries and won't be able to recover and ready for the tournament.

It's very opposite with Neymar who has never been well in recent years and he has still struggled with injuries and his fitness as well as not too high quality performances in this season and most important recent weeks. His body is also very sensitive with injuries and with latest squad calls from Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil national team, without Neymar while World Cup 2026 is coming next 3 months, it's very unlikely that Neymar will participate in that tournament.

[Sithara007]

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It's very opposite with Neymar who has never been well in recent years and he has still struggled with injuries and his fitness as well as not too high quality performances in this season and most important recent weeks. His body is also very sensitive with injuries and with latest squad calls from Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil national team, without Neymar while World Cup 2026 is coming next 3 months, it's very unlikely that Neymar will participate in that tournament.

At the moment, Neymar is in media spotlight for the wrong reasons. A few days back Wayne Rooney claimed that Neymar was never a world class player. Rooney further stated that Neymar was completely overshadowed by Messi while two of them were playing together. Maybe that is true, but IMO Neymar had a good stint with Barca, playing alongside Messi as well as Luis Suarez. Meanwhile Raphinha has backed the inclusion of Neymar in the world cup squad. And it looks like most of the other player is also having the same opinion, although Carlo Ancelotti is firm in his stance that Neymar needs to be excluded.

[Silikiem]

I did not know that Neymar is currently in a condition that won't allow him to show up at the coming world cup as one of the players, thats very unfortunate for him to say the least, I can imagine how he must be feeling not being able to play in that world cup which is a time when different countries around the world often come together in love and solitude for football..

Messi and Ronaldo will certainly join World Cup 2026 as they were called for latest matches of their national teams and their performances at their clubs are still quality enough. They also have good fitness that is important for playing at a world class tournament like Word Cup 2026, and they will only miss the tournament if in coming months or during preparation of the tournament, they suddenly get injuries and won't be able to recover and ready for the tournament.

It's very opposite with Neymar who has never been well in recent years and he has still struggled with injuries and his fitness as well as not too high quality performances in this season and most important recent weeks. His body is also very sensitive with injuries and with latest squad calls from Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil national team, without Neymar while World Cup 2026 is coming next 3 months, it's very unlikely that Neymar will participate in that tournament.

For players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, their inclusion in their various countries World Cup roster is something I feel is an express road for them and whether they are injured or not they wil certainly be included in the team roster for the World Cup most especially Ronaldo whom I feel Portuguese team are going to play for in this World Cup just to see him lift the World Cup. This two players bring more than just playing football in the pitch for their team, off the field their presence is even more valuable. You can see Ronaldo even when he’s injured in a game and was sidelined you could see the way he rallies round for his team in the touch line, and they listen to him. So I think even if they are injured they will still be included in the team roster for the World Cup.

[rdluffy]

...

I will definitely bet that Ronaldo and Neymar will play in the coming 2026 World Cup, but I am not sure about Messi, and this is because in the last world Cup which was in 2022, Argentina won the cup and it was widely speculated that the reason why Messi but his all to ensure that his country won the Cup was because that world Cup will be the last he will be playing before retiring from football..

And it true that Messi is still in the pitch today playing but who knows, he might still decide to only watch the world Cup games and not play, since according to sources, Argentina winning the world Cup in the last world Cup was Messi's way of giving back to his country and supporters before hanging his boot..
So if I was to actually place a bet, I will likely not bet on Messi playing in the coming world, I will also not bet on him not playing because I am not really sure.

That would be a pretty risky bet on your part, but it’s a very interesting point of view
Messi could have played in the 2022 World Cup, won it, and retired from the Argentine national team at the top of his game, ending his career on a high note
That’s what he thought and said openly in 2022 after winning the title

But given the current circumstances, I still think he’ll go to the World Cup, after all, he’s playing consistently, injury-free, the Argentine team still wants him, he’s a great leader, and he commands respect from opponents
It’s interesting that Messi’s playing style allows him to play without having to run as much and lets him stay on the field the whole time, which is a bit different from Ronaldo and Neymar

[Lucius]

Ronaldo is the oldest (41), so it is likely that this will be his last games for the national team, which means that he will do his best to be ready, and after all, the man enjoys football at all times. Messi is only 38, while Neymar is the youngest (34) and will still have a chance to play in at least one or maybe two world competitions.

Luka Modric will play for Croatia even at 40+ years old, although few believed it 2 years ago.

I remember the last World Cup, when we talked a lot about Croatia, Lucius

I thought 2022 would be the last World Cup for Messi and Ronaldo. I have to admit I’m surprised to see them both still playing regularly, and on top of that, I was so surprised to see Modric still playing at 40 

Even though they’re not at their peak anymore, I’m still excited and curious to watch them
Do you think Modric will start in the World Cup?

On March 31, we’ll have Brazil vs. Croatia (without Neymar)

Modric will play as long as he wants, at least that's what the Croatian coach said, which means that he is still the most important player and will certainly be in the starting eleven if he doesn't get injured when it comes to the World Cup. He's one of those players like Ronaldo or Messi who simply refuse to give up on professional football, but still Modric stayed in Europe (Milan) while Ronaldo went after the money. That is perhaps the only difference between the two.

Croatia has two friendly matches in the US with Brazil and Colombia and who wouldn't want to watch that, but from what I see the match with Brazil is two hours after midnight here in Europe so I'll almost certainly be asleep by then.

[rezakurnia66]

For players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, their inclusion in their various countries World Cup roster is something I feel is an express road for them and whether they are injured or not they wil certainly be included in the team roster for the World Cup most especially Ronaldo whom I feel Portuguese team are going to play for in this World Cup just to see him lift the World Cup. This two players bring more than just playing football in the pitch for their team, off the field their presence is even more valuable. You can see Ronaldo even when he’s injured in a game and was sidelined you could see the way he rallies round for his team in the touch line, and they listen to him. So I think even if they are injured they will still be included in the team roster for the World Cup.

Exceptional for Cristiano Ronaldo who has disciplined lifestyle make him keep on the top level perform or good physical easily playing for Portugal team at World Cup 2026 than Neymar have bad lifestyle. Season by season, Neymar out from the team than playing regular for all season matches difference with Ronaldo almost playing all games with Al Nassr in this season. The same with Messi, not only as the icon for Argentina team but he always ready for playing with Inter Miami and not get problem for him participant at World Cup 2026.
Neymar must be patience and waiting the magician if any players injury Ancelotti should include him in the waiting list players for playing at World Cup.

[Lida93]

Messi and Ronaldo may be sure to play in the World Cup as long as he is not seriously injured, the coach will include him in the squad.

While Neymar was reportedly dropped by Anceloti due to unstable fitness problems ... maybe that's the reason why Anceloti dropped him... we know how Neymar often has problems with injuries to his muscles this is not just a short time but a long time and reduces his performance, even though I know these three players are old and not agile anymore.

It's obvious that both Messi and Ronaldo will feature for their countries respectively and their inclusion in the world cup list is solely dependent on their status as the two most important players in their respective teams, but for Neymar jnr, his inclusion depends on his fitness level and ability to avoid any form of injury before the world cup, recently he got dropped out of the Brazilian national team and he is furious about it, yet Carlo Ancelotti has assured that there's still hope for Neymar about him getting a possible call up before the world cup kicks off provided he isn't injured.

[r_victory]

I don't know about the others, but Neymar might be called up if there's popular pressure, precisely because he's an idol of the fans, and even if he's not doing very well when it comes to matches for the Brazilian national team, at least as they would like him to play, he makes a difference on the field. But of course, the choice and the final word will always be the coach's, unless money talks louder and the sport takes a back seat.

[retreat]

But I’m going to ask you guys. If you were to bet, what would your bets be?
Will all three play in the 2026 World Cup, which will likely be their last?
Or will one of them be left out?

My gut feeling is that only Messi and Ronaldo will play in this World Cup. As for Neymar, he's still not fully recovered, so Ancelotti hasn't considered him for the Brazil squad. While he still has a chance to improve his fitness and prove himself worthy of a place in the first team, his chances are slim, especially given his unhealthy lifestyle, which could hinder his progress. So it's highly likely that Neymar will be out of this.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

I don't know about the others, but Neymar might be called up if there's popular pressure, precisely because he's an idol of the fans, and even if he's not doing very well when it comes to matches for the Brazilian national team, at least as they would like him to play, he makes a difference on the field. But of course, the choice and the final word will always be the coach's, unless money talks louder and the sport takes a back seat.

But a user here on the forum and in his comment on this thread said that Neymar is not well and fit enough to play in the coming world Cup even if he was to play, I initially would have googled this claim to ascertain if its true but it skipped my mind and I only remembered now that I read your comment..

Fact is, and based on my own personal believe, old national football players tend to do well and drive their national team to victory or very close to it than the national team that are from this present generation, it's like the common saying here in my place that a new broom may sweet better and faster but an old broom know the corners where the new broom doesn't know yet..
The players who are close or even at the age of their retirement are considered idol to both the  fans and the new players in the field z this is why their presence always brings a different kind of vibe, if Neymar will be able to play for in the world Cup alongside the current Brazilian national team, it would be great for their nation.

[Moreno233]

This is an interesting bet that some them can give free money if carefully selected. I don't know of Ronaldo and Messi yet but I'm certain that Neymar will not make the world Cup squad for Brazil. He was excluded from their friendly match list which is supposed to be a preparatory match for the world Cup, that means his fate might have been decided already. Cristiano might likely make the world Cup squad for Portugal, his chances are higher than that if Messi.

[leonair]

Today I saw two interesting predictions on Polymarket
I just didn’t see one for Cristiano Ronaldo

But I’m going to ask you guys. If you were to bet, what would your bets be?
Will all three play in the 2026 World Cup, which will likely be their last?
Or will one of them be left out?

Neymar is injured and Messi's last match was in the last World Cup, Ronaldo is injured. These 3 players were the most popular faces in the World Cup, if they don't play in the World Cup, the excitement for FIFA will decrease. But according to their situation, it doesn't seem like they will be allowed to play in this World Cup. Now it depends on their fitness. I am confused whether they will be able to play. I don't think it will be possible.

[LUCKMCFLY]

It's a moment when Messi said he didn't want to go to any more World Cups. As for Neymar, it's not up to him, and as for Cristiano Ronaldo, he's going because he's recovering from his injury so I'd say things are very good for all three of them. I think in the end Messi will go to play in the World Cup I'd bet that all three of them will go, If Neymar doesn't go, it's Ancelotti's fault, and if he does that, he'll get into trouble with all of Brazil, That's something he shouldn't be playing.

[Taricoins]

There's a big difference between Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar. Cristiano Ronaldo remains very important to his club and national team; he scores goals frequently. Messi is also very important to his club and scores goals for both club and national team. Now, when we talk about Neymar, the case is completely different. Neymar isn't important to his club on the field; he only has image, he can't play 20 consecutive games without injury.

He doesn't score goals frequently, so it doesn't make sense to call him up knowing that there are many young players who are performing much better than him. Look, if Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi were Brazilian? I have no doubt they would be called up to the Brazilian national team. Neymar was having so much fun off the field that he neglected his profession as a football player, and now, with the World Cup approaching, he wants to participate.

It feels like you are throwing shades on Neymar Jr. we all know of his lifestyle off the field but that doesn't concern his performance on the stage, and that stuff about injury doesn't count. It's funny that out of the 26 players he called up, I couldn't just leave on Slot for Neymar Jr.

I think you over emphasize on the value of Ronaldo and Messi, critically watching them, you can see that the teams are carrying, Messi doesn't press and Ronaldo is just a goal merchant constantly losing goals but the fact remains that they are legend so they will definitely be called up, that's what Ancelotti failed to see. Imagine picking Endrick over Neymar

[abaeze]

If Carlo Ancelotti is coaching, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Endrick have more chances to play, but even if Neymar is considered as a last option, injuries are his biggest obstacle. And as far as I know about Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, their performances and success motivate the team to win, so there is a high chance of keeping them in the team, even if it is for a short time.

[Hispo]

I thought Messi was going to retire from playing football professionally again, wasnt he?
I thought that was why the lastest world cup was so important for Argentina and Messi himself, because it could have been one of the few chances Messi had to bring the throphy back to Argentina before getting to old to play professionally for his home nation.

Anyways, knowing how passionate he is for Argentina and his home selection, I would bet he is going to play in this incoming world cup for Argentina, unless something drastic happens to him.

It is difficult to believe that Messi will retire his shoes any time soon seeing that his ambition is still burning at the moment when he raises the trophy in Qatar. We are supposed to do cognizant of the fact that the triumph that came yesterday was akin to the stripping off the shoulders of a huge weight that was resting upon his shoulders whenever he went to play against Argentina. Playing in the next world cup is not something that a player with his calibre cannot do as long as he is physically able to compete on the top. His love to his country cannot be rivalled.

Sure, it is true that Messi seems to still be in a good shape and still seems to be very passionate for his team in Argentina.
But in the end, one does not even know what the future holds or what Messi is planning for his own life. Right?

Even if he loves his country and his team, he could feel more comfortable playing for Inter Miami than coming back to Argentina and seek another world cup.

Anyways... Only time will tell. 

[Floxynice]

I voted that three of them will play in the world Cup even when there is indication that only Ronaldo and Messi are guaranteed to play in the world Cup. Even if Brazilian coach has refused to include Neymar in his 35 man list for the international break, I believe there is still some opportunities to include him.

I believe that Neymar is more resourceful than many new players now. Even if he is injury prone, as a legend,  he should have the opportunity for his last down at the biggest stage. I support Neymar and I stand with him. Secure a slot for the star-man

[Taricoins]

I voted that three of them will play in the world Cup even when there is indication that only Ronaldo and Messi are guaranteed to play in the world Cup. Even if Brazilian coach has refused to include Neymar in his 35 man list for the international break, I believe there is still some opportunities to include him.

I believe that Neymar is more resourceful than many new players now. Even if he is injury prone, as a legend,  he should have the opportunity for his last down at the biggest stage. I support Neymar and I stand with him. Secure a slot for the star-man

It's plain and simple, you have said it all, regardless of injury or not, wasn't Bellingham still recovering from injury before he was called up to the National Team ?

Neymar is an important identity in the Brazilian team and it's not fair that he is left out. And they feel Christiano Ronaldo or Messi are called up because of play ? They are called to raise morale of the team and them being legends, Ancelloti should fine a way to add up Neymar even though he is going to ride on the bench the whole World Cup.

[nelson4lov]

~Snip

I would say that for Ronaldo, he said it would be his last. But for Messi, I believe not yet the last. And for Neymar, he is the youngest among these three, so yes, he has still the chance to play unless injured. So yes, for these 3 core players, I would say, they have the chance to play in this upcoming World Cup.

Messi could also retire too. Ronaldo has been his arch rival from day 0 and the recent years and even though they now play in very distinct leagues, the organizer often find a way to pit them against each other because of popular demand. Imo, Messi would likely retire if Ronaldo retires from international football because at that point, he has no more challenge to compete for since they only man he can compete against has retired.

Btw, It's one thing to be fit for the world cup, it's another thing to be "in-form" enough to get a callup spot. Not every can get it even neymar.

[Josefjix]

In my previous comment on this thread, I said the person I am possibly believing won't be able to play in the world cup would be Messi due to some retirement rumors that have been flying around the world for some time now concerning him.

If Messi will have to play in this year's world cup tournament, then that's a big plus for the Argentina team because with Messi's support, they were able to win the world cup last season, may be with Messi on the side again in the coming season, they will try to win it again.

If Messi is getting close to his retirement, then the possibility of playing this world cup is certain because he may wants to mark this world cup the final one before next round in 4 years time, so by then he should be retired. Messi can't be active in football and never play a match in the world cup because he's planning on retirement, nah, that can't happen.