Lionel Messi inspires discussion on longevity in football careers
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Jul 5, 2026
Lionel Messi leads a cohort of veteran strikers at the World Cup, showcasing their skills and longevity in the sport. Experts believe that elite forwards like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could continue playing into their 40s, resulting in potential new records. The discourse highlights the changing nature of modern football and the capabilities of experienced players, suggesting the possibility that Messi may appear in future World Cups. This trend reflects the evolving skill set required for contemporary strikers, underscoring the extraordinary talent present among today's older athletes.
- •Messi leads veteran strikers at the World Cup this summer.
- •Experts suggest more players could compete into their 40s.
- •Potential exists for Messi and Ronaldo to return for future World Cups.
- •Current forwards are pushing each other to achieve new scoring records.
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Lionel Messi and football’s ageless wonders can excel into their 40s | Emma Hayes
"Argentina’s captain leads the way for veteran strikers at World Cup. They have different styles, but all have shown their worth I would be shocked if the record for the most goals scored by a player in a World Cup – Just Fontaine’s 13 in 1958 – is not broken this summer. That is how elite the world’s top forwards are. They are all pushing each other to keep scoring more. We are so lucky to be watching them at the same time. I also believe, because of the skill set required to be a world-class, modern-day finisher, we are going to see more and more playing into their 40s, so much so that it may be possible that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could go to another World Cup. Continue reading...
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