We are witnessing the final FIFA World Cup with two of footballthe greats of all time, Lionel Messi And Christiano Ronaldo.
Although Messi has not officially closed the door on the possibility of not playing in the tournament in four years, Ronaldo has announced that this will be his last World Cup. And that has led to questions about when Ronaldo will decide to hang up his cleats.
Now another footballer is joining in and thinks that the Portuguese GOAT, who is two years older than Messi, is waiting for the Argentinian GOAT to decide to call it a day.
Speaking on behalf of Hajperex-Man Utd and Ecuador star Antonio Valencia told Showbiz Cheat Sheet: “I think Ronaldo and Messi are almost waiting for each other. It’s like: ‘You retire first.’ I think they’re both waiting to see who retires first. Cristiano still seems very motivated to me. He looks good.
“Messi also plays in a league that for me has improved a lot, but is not as competitive as the European leagues, so that may allow him to continue a little longer. I don’t know, another year, two more years… But there also comes a point where you get exhausted from being focused for so many years. Still, they are machines and they have had incredible careers.”
Valencia added: “It’s a bit sad to think that Ronaldo and Messi, two legends, two players who left such an incredible mark on football, could play their last World Cup. I don’t think they will be able to play another World Cup. But you never know because physically they both still look good. I think age is just a number. If you take care of yourself and do things right, you can keep playing.”
“It would be sad, but I think they can both have a good World Cup. Messi is a different kind of player. Cristiano is a competitive player, someone who likes to win trophies. I hope they both have a good World Cup and enjoy it. I have a lot of affection for both of them, for the way they are and for the message they send to young people: being professional and honest and doing things well. I have a lot of respect for them both.”
One footballer who will return for another World Cup is Kylian Mbappé. The France national team captain has drawn comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo, but another former player says Mbappe still has a long way to go before he is at their level.
Speaking on behalf of BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest World Cup oddsFormer Chelsea and France star Florent Malouda told Showbiz Cheat Sheet: “I think he is behind them in terms of numbers but he still has a long way to go because of their longevity. Those two players we have to enjoy while they are still playing because I remember playing against them and they are still playing.”
Malouda says: “Mbappe will be inspired by them. The way he looks after himself could give him the opportunity to chase them and play in as many World Cups as they did. And I think to be in the same equation he would have to win a few Ballon d’Ors too. I think he would be judged on that, which they have done for so long as the best players in the world. I think people still want him to prove it.”
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