The 2022 FIFA World Cup final has captured the hearts of many people. Argentina and France face each other in the World Cup final taking place at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 18. Star footballer and one of the greatest footballers, Lionel Messi said goodbye to the World Cup tournament with an epic victory over France, claiming his first and only World Cup title.
Many football fans are left with mixed emotions after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final.
Fans of the French national team were saddened by their loss, while Argentina fans were overjoyed by their team’s success.
However, no matter which team they support, football fans around the world are disappointed for another reason.
The 2022 Qatar World Cup is probably the last world cup for many famous football players, including the two top players of this sport, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
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Here is a list of 10 legendary football players most likely to play their most recent World Cup:
1. Christiano Ronaldo | Portugal
The 2022 Qatar World Cup is the 37-year-old soccer star’s fifth world cup and could very well be his final. When the next World Cup takes place, the legendary striker will be 41 years old. Ronaldo, captain of the Portuguese football team is the all-time top scorer in international men’s football with 118 goals in 191 matches and 43 assists.
2. Lionel Messi | Argentina
Argentina has reached the 2022 World Cup finals and will compete with France for the prestigious trophy. This is Messi’s fifth World Cup and perhaps his last as he becomes one of the greatest players of all time as he turns 39 by the time the next World Cup comes around.
Messi is Argentina’s all-time top scorer and ranks third in the international men’s soccer tournament with 98 goals in 171 matches.
One of the greatest football players of all time, Messi, has confirmed that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is his last World Cup.
Lionel Messi confirms that the World Cup final will be the last match he plays 🥺 pic.twitter.com/DzVcf1iv2p
– TARGET (@target)
December 14, 2022
3. Thomas Muller | Germany
The 33-year-old is one of Germany’s best players and has won the World Cup, a feat that neither Ronaldo nor Messi has been able to achieve.
Muller played in 16 world cups and scored 10 goals.
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4. Luis Suarez | Uruguay
The 35-year-old player confirmed that WC 2022 is his final after Uruguay was eliminated from the tournament. The Qatar World Cup was his fourth and final tournament.
Suarez has scored 68 international goals in 137 appearances.
5. Robert Lewandowski | Poland
The prolific 34-year-old striker is the 10th highest scorer in international men’s football with 78 goals in 131 appearances. Lewandowski has stated that he has been training for the 2022 World Cup as if it will be his final. However, the famous footballer added that he will be physically fit to compete in the 2026 World Cup.
6. Luka Modric | Croatia
The 37-year-old midfielder is perhaps one of the team’s most important players. He was the driving force that helped Croatia reach the final round at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, Croatia was defeated in the final by France, who won the 2018 championship.
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7. Manuel Neuer | Germany
36-year-old Neuer is one of the top goalkeepers in the world. The Bayern Munich star was an outstanding factor in helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup. Neuer won the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. The Qatar tournament is Neuer’s fourth World Cup.
8. Karim Benzema | France
The 34-year-old is considered one of the best strikers of all time. Benzema was withdrawn from the 2022 World Cup after a thigh injury. However, whether he will participate in the final against Argentina and legendary Lionel Messi has not yet been decided.
Previously, Benzema was eliminated from participation in Euro 2016 and missed the World Cup tournament in Russia four years ago due to a controversy believed to involve him.
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9. Edinson Cavani | Uruguay
35-year-old Cavani is a striker for the Uruguay national team. Although Cavani did not develop himself, his partnership with teammate Luis Suarez attracted attention and formed a strong attacking team. Cavani scored 58 goals for Uruguay in 133 matches.
10. Yuto Nagamoto | Japan
The 36-year-old plays as a full-back for the Japan National team. He played his fourth World Cup, in Qatar in 2022, making him the only Japanese footballer to do so. Nagamoto is Japan’s most capped player of all time with 142 caps.
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Many football legends are playing their final match at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Although these players will no longer appear on the field of play, their legacy will always be remembered.
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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn