Nothing lasts forever, unfortunately, and all good things must come to an end. In footballing circles, that means iconic performers with loyal fan bases that stretch to many millions will eventually reach a day in which boots have to be hung up.
When it comes to international competition, we may be approaching a mass exodus of elite talent. With the clock now seriously ticking for Lionel Messi and Cristiano, two all-time greats with 12 Ballons d’Or between them are preparing to bid farewell to the grandest of stages.
Gift
They have, perhaps rather begrudgingly, accepted that they only have one more shot at global glory left in them. Ahead of another showpiece event in Qatar, FIFA World Cup odds currently have Argentina priced at 13/2 to cement Messi’s legacy as the best to ever do it and Portugal at 12/1 to deliver the perfect parting gift for Ronaldo.
It is, however, 4/1 shots Brazil that top the market, with the most successful nation in the history of FIFA’s flagship event boasting the kind of depth in their ranks that others can only dream of. It would not be difficult to argue a case for the Selecao’s second-string XI going too close to capturing football’s ultimate prize.
Leading their charge, providing he can steer clear of injury, will be talismanic captain Neymar. The Paris Saint-Germain forward has carried the expectations of a nation for longer than he probably cares to remember, with talk of inheriting a crown once filled by the likes of Pele and Ronaldinho having followed him around for some time.
Neymar is, however, another that is preparing to walk away from the pressure of chasing down the most prestigious prize in his chosen profession. He has said: “I think it’s my last World Cup. I see it as my last because I don’t know if I have the strength of mind to deal with football anymore. So I’ll do anything to turn up well, do everything to win with my country, to realise my greatest dream since I was little.”
It’s been 20 years since Brazil last conquered the world when the original Ronaldo led a charge past the finishing post in Japan and South Korea, and a football-mad country will consider that to be two decades too long.
Spotlight
Neymar knows that he is preparing to step back under the brightest of spotlights, with his every move before, during and after another star-studded tournament set to be dissected in minute detail. He has grown accustomed to such attention, but cannot be blamed for suggesting that it is starting to wear him down.
The same can be said for Messi and Ronaldo, with roles as enigmatic leaders of their respective nations ensuring that praise and criticism must be accepted in equal measure. They may earn plenty of plaudits when things are going well, but will also be the first to see a finger of blame pointed in their direction if collective lines are fluffed.
Three icons of the modern era are beginning to warm their vocal chords once more, but will any of them be left singing on centre stage when a World Cup curtain comes down?
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