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

[Sithara007]

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.

I am not sure what Messi will gain from playing in this tournament. On the other hand, if his performance dips, then it is a massive risk for him. Messi lifted the world cup as the captain of Argentine team during the 2022 edition. He will not gain anything by playing in the 2026 edition. Some critics claim that he wants to defend the trophy, but doing that can be extremely difficult this time. The European teams are in good shape and there is no guarantee that Argentina can even get to the semi-final stage. Ideally he should have retired from national duty after 2022.

[Seven Star7]

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?

Messi and Ronaldo can play in the 2026 World Cup because they are both fit, but there is no exact news on whether Neymar will be able to play because his foot injury has made him very uncertain.

[Jostern]

I doubt if Neymar is going to play in the World Cup considering his injury, he has had several injuries and this injuries have been repeating itself on a regular basis, which means that he might not be in the World Cup, and recently his not been called up to the Brazilian team and I believe his been absolutely disappointed with his absence from the squad, but I believe he is fighting very hard to make it to the 2026 World Cup.

However I’m expecting Messi and Christiano Ronaldo to be at the World Cup, because the only thing that can stop them right now is getting injured, injury is the only thing that will keep this players away from the World Cup, and they’re players that have a long history of staying healthy, so I believe they will be working on their own fitness to keep them at the World Cup.

[Dunamisx]

Though I can see that age is already running after these guys being mentioned, but one thing you must always never forget about them is that they have always been at their best performance each time they are playing, their consistency is always accurate and with high percentage, even if some of their clubs are trying to counter them with their fitness and age, most of them will not be rejected by the country the represent to perform for them, because they are legend.

[Italian Panic]

I doubt if Neymar is going to play in the World Cup considering his injury, he has had several injuries and this injuries have been repeating itself on a regular basis, which means that he might not be in the World Cup, and recently his not been called up to the Brazilian team and I believe his been absolutely disappointed with his absence from the squad, but I believe he is fighting very hard to make it to the 2026 World Cup.

However I’m expecting Messi and Christiano Ronaldo to be at the World Cup, because the only thing that can stop them right now is getting injured, injury is the only thing that will keep this players away from the World Cup, and they’re players that have a long history of staying healthy, so I believe they will be working on their own fitness to keep them at the World Cup.

I saw the reel where neymar was watching ancelotti announce the roster for this few friendly match, and when he didn’t hear his name among the forwards he just laughed it off. That’s because at 34 neymar is a former player who has little desire to train.
If the roles were reversed if for some reason Messi or, worse yet, Cristiano Ronaldo had heard they weren’t called up we would have seen a different kind of scene, with players looking disappointed and serious.

[sotelorene]

These are high profile players, Ronaldo and Messi are the greatest of all time in football currently and they will actually love to play the world cup even if they won't be featured in all the game as age and some other factors has began to affect them, they will love to be with the team mates. Though Messi may not have much interest to play anymore reason because he has gotten what he ever wanted on football which is the world cup trophy but Ronaldo have not, so he will definitely want to play one more time, Ronaldo is a strong and incredible player but he has to accept he is old.

[Kelward]

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

Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo are legends that only injuries can stop them from shining in this world cup, they are not ordinary players to include in their squads but they are inspiration to their teammates. As long as they are fit to play they will be among players that we will see on the pitch, there is no sentiment whether Brazilian coach likes Neymar or not, if he's fit I believe that he will play in the world cup. Many people are doubtful about Neymar due to injuries but for Messi I don't think that he'll be talking about retirement now so he's a sure pick, as for Ronaldo the Portuguese team is never complete without him.

[Mrbluntzy]

Messi and Ronaldo can play in the 2026 World Cup because they are both fit, but there is no exact news on whether Neymar will be able to play because his foot injury has made him very uncertain.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi are fit and they both will feature in the world cup this year. While for Neymar Jr, his chances are slim base on his prone injuries. Neymar is now working effortlessly to get back on his feet and for Carlo Ancelloti to call him for international games but he's yet to receive any call. This is Neymar Jr we're talking about here.

Such is life, one of the most important Brazil player might missed the world cup this year all for what? Because the current Brazil manager, Carlo Ancelotti doesn't believe in him.

[SatoPrincess]

Messi and Ronaldo are more likely to go to the World Cup than Neymar Jr. I love Neymar, he would bring a flair and skills fans love to see in tournaments but injuries have not been kind to Neymar, and Ancelotti appears to not be interested in bringing him in even as a sub.

[rezakurnia66]

Messi and Ronaldo are more likely to go to the World Cup than Neymar Jr. I love Neymar, he would bring a flair and skills fans love to see in tournaments but injuries have not been kind to Neymar, and Ancelotti appears to not be interested in bringing him in even as a sub.

Right, the vote have been answered all about possibility Neymar will play in the World Cup? Absolutely all fans want to see Neymar get calling by Brazil team but he doesn't at top perform and most getting injury for this season with Santos. I don't blame about Neymar qualify and his level performance but he doesn't on the top physical and easily get injury.

For the friendly match against France and Croatia, Carlo Ancelotti not including Neymar in the team I think its the mini scheme for squad prepare to World Cup likely Ancelotti have withdraw Neymar from his tactical.

[Fiatless]

Right, the vote have been answered all about possibility Neymar will play in the World Cup? Absolutely all fans want to see Neymar get calling by Brazil team but he doesn't at top perform and most getting injury for this season with Santos. I don't blame about Neymar qualify and his level performance but he doesn't on the top physical and easily get injury.

For the friendly match against France and Croatia, Carlo Ancelotti not including Neymar in the team I think its the mini scheme for squad prepare to World Cup likely Ancelotti have withdraw Neymar from his tactical.

Out of twenty voters, 12, which is 60%, accepted that only Messi and Ronaldo would make it to the World Cup. Even if he were not part of the players, coach Carlo Ancelotti should let him become part of the Brazilian national team delegation. If Neymar accepts such a position, he could be a source of inspiration to young players. His experince could be helful in supporting the players. 

[Wakate]

Right, the vote have been answered all about possibility Neymar will play in the World Cup? Absolutely all fans want to see Neymar get calling by Brazil team but he doesn't at top perform and most getting injury for this season with Santos. I don't blame about Neymar qualify and his level performance but he doesn't on the top physical and easily get injury.

For the friendly match against France and Croatia, Carlo Ancelotti not including Neymar in the team I think its the mini scheme for squad prepare to World Cup likely Ancelotti have withdraw Neymar from his tactical.

Out of twenty voters, 12, which is 60%, accepted that only Messi and Ronaldo would make it to the World Cup. Even if he were not part of the players, coach Carlo Ancelotti should let him become part of the Brazilian national team delegation. If Neymar accepts such a position, he could be a source of inspiration to young players. His experince could be helful in supporting the players. 

It is very certain to me that Messi and Ronaldo must participate in this year world cup tournament which we are going to see how these great players are going to exercise their last world cup to show us what they have and the achievements they are going to break. Messi won the last world cup for Argentina last 4 years and I know he might want to do the same this year but Ronaldo already have that in mind so at least another tittle can be added to his name.

[bakasabo]

At their age, do they have same stamina and speed? Will they be able to play all +90min? Team will for sure give all passes on them, but will they be able to outplay and run away from much younger players? It is a great honor to play on such tournament, but they have proved everything already and achieved. Imo it is better to gove more space to new players, let them play and get experienced, than let old stars play one more time, have one more tournament that wont change much for them.

[Localhostspeed]

I doubt if Neymar is going to play in the World Cup considering his injury, he has had several injuries and this injuries have been repeating itself on a regular basis, which means that he might not be in the World Cup, and recently his not been called up to the Brazilian team and I believe his been absolutely disappointed with his absence from the squad, but I believe he is fighting very hard to make it to the 2026 World Cup.

However I’m expecting Messi and Christiano Ronaldo to be at the World Cup, because the only thing that can stop them right now is getting injured, injury is the only thing that will keep this players away from the World Cup, and they’re players that have a long history of staying healthy, so I believe they will be working on their own fitness to keep them at the World Cup.

Anceloti already exempted him from the list of players that will be going for the world cup. Emotions aside, there is nothing Neymar can do in world cup this year, he was more fit last time and he couldn't do anything. I don't think there is much he can do now anymore and moreover, his football career is already getting out of hand, even the league he is playing are just managing him, it's better he let it go now that he still has some dignity and football reputation.

I don't think Messi and Ronaldo will leave World Cup, they are the two Icons of the World cup. Even if they don't want to go, I'm sure Fifa will make it compulsory for them. The hype and interest from these two has generated revenue for Fifa they can't let go of anytime soon. Messi is also playing in USA club, it will interest the people of USA to want to win even though they have small chance and if they don't, they will look upto Messi they can support for the world cup.

[Nahl]

Most likely the next world cup could being an the last big tournament for those players but i am sure their ambition would be same that playing on that world cup and if possible ended their career with world cup trophy but for Ronaldo and Messi currently they are still active to playing for their national team since qualification stages and i am sure the coaches from their national team will putting their name for this tournament but for Neymar since he got injured prone he never playing for Brazil anymore even he has small chance to return to Brazil national team because Ancelotti only want to play the player with good fitness to playing for this team

[iBaba]

~~~

I am not sure what Messi will gain from playing in this tournament. On the other hand, if his performance dips, then it is a massive risk for him. Messi lifted the world cup as the captain of Argentine team during the 2022 edition. He will not gain anything by playing in the 2026 edition. Some critics claim that he wants to defend the trophy, but doing that can be extremely difficult this time. The European teams are in good shape and there is no guarantee that Argentina can even get to the semi-final stage. Ideally he should have retired from national duty after 2022.

If I was Messi, I will just rest because he will have no points to prove at this moment. He is only going to fall his hand and demolish the reputation that he built earlier in the last world cup. If there is anyone that will be hunting for coming back and making history now, it should be Ronaldo. All the clubs he went to, he made sure he made his marks there and the only team he's having challenges with delivering which doubles as the team he should be passionate about is his national team, Portugal. So, I will be seeing Messi's effort in futility because I don't even believe he can win this time around the way he won in 2022.

[Akbarkoe]

Messi and Ronaldo are more likely to go to the World Cup than Neymar Jr. I love Neymar, he would bring a flair and skills fans love to see in tournaments but injuries have not been kind to Neymar, and Ancelotti appears to not be interested in bringing him in even as a sub.

If Ronaldo I'm sure he will come if he is invited but Messi is a little doubtful too because he could refuse, but Messi can be an assistant coach or a senior who helps his younger siblings on the sidelines to give direction, while Neymar does not seem to be invited by Acnceloti, there is a message that Neymar must be fully recovered first to enter the team at the world cup, but we do not know total fitness will end until when, sometimes the estimates given are also not necessarily recovered..

[HONDACD125]

Though I can see that age is already running after these guys being mentioned, but one thing you must always never forget about them is that they have always been at their best performance each time they are playing, their consistency is always accurate and with high percentage, even if some of their clubs are trying to counter them with their fitness and age, most of them will not be rejected by the country the represent to perform for them, because they are legend.

Being a legend doesn't do much if you are unable to provide good performance based on your current condition and recent stats. If a player has done well in the past, he will be remembered for that by football fans, but if they are yet to retire but aren't able to do well for their team, the management will surely think of replacing them with other players that they believe can perform better under the conditions. So there is no doubt that all the mentioned players, Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo, have been among some of the best footballers of this era, but eras end, and people eventually get replaced.

Neymar has been one of my favourite players, I have even supported Brazil in the previous world cup only because of him because I wanted to see him win it, but it didn't work out for them. However, since we all know that he hasn't been totally fit, as said by everyone else in this thread, we can say that the chances of him not playing in the upcoming world cup are very high, but if he recovers and becomes ready based on the coach's or management's standards, he might play a few games for the management to see how he performs.

[blomen]

neymar definitely had the potential to be a fantastic player. he could have played top-level soccer for years, both for his club and for brazil. we’re talking about a player who is still only 34 years old. messi was 35 when he won the world cup in 2022. due to his injuries and lack of discipline, he has become a player whose future is nothing but a long shot. even if he makes the squad for the 2026 world cup, i don’t think he’ll get much playing time. in fact, i don’t think he’ll even make the squad, because brazil is a national team that’s always bringing in new, active players, and neymar can no longer keep up with this team’s pace.

i think messi and ronaldo will definitely get playing time on their teams. some people say portugal is better without ronaldo, but i can say for sure that he will play.

[SatoPrincess]

Messi and Ronaldo are more likely to go to the World Cup than Neymar Jr. I love Neymar, he would bring a flair and skills fans love to see in tournaments but injuries have not been kind to Neymar, and Ancelotti appears to not be interested in bringing him in even as a sub.

If Ronaldo I'm sure he will come if he is invited but Messi is a little doubtful too because he could refuse, but Messi can be an assistant coach or a senior who helps his younger siblings on the sidelines to give direction, while Neymar does not seem to be invited by Acnceloti, there is a message that Neymar must be fully recovered first to enter the team at the world cup, but we do not know total fitness will end until when, sometimes the estimates given are also not necessarily recovered..

Messi’s doesn’t fit the persona of someone who would want to be an assistant coach. As for Neymar, the conditions Carlo Ancelotti gave Neymar is unrealistic, he wants Neymar to be 100% fit and we all know that can’t happen considering his age and injuries. He could as well as he doesn’t want Neymar on the team instead of giving him an impossible task.