Why Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the World Cup's old guard just can't say goodbye

The piece examines the enduring prominence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as aging stars in a World Cup landscape, four years after their celebrated 2022 triumphs, with both aiming for a sixth World Cup appearance. Messi would be 39 during the 2026 tournament, Ronaldo 41, signaling a possible late-career peak for an era-defining generation. The article reflects on longevity in elite football driven by science, diet, and finances, noting that veterans remain central to national teams and club plans. It also touches on related themes of aging leaders in public life, drawing parallels to continued influence beyond peak years.