Considering retirement is not something many of us wish to consider, yet when it comes to a fascinating generation of incredible football players, we are now reaching the conclusion to some wonderful careers. But staying true to their success and achievements over the years, there are certain elite icons who can only bid farewell to international football on the biggest stage, which only one tournament held every four years can provide.
As we look ahead to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there is already heaps of enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming tournament, including plenty of interest from people keen to find sports betting Qatar odds and promotions. Arabian Betting experts aim to furnish punters with everything they need, such as highlighting key markets and latest offers available, all from safe and secure online bookmakers.
Some of the leading markets will focus on players at the World Cup, such as those expected to score the most goals or provide the most assists, along with those rated as the best performers at the tournament itself. Amongst some of the leading contenders will be this quintet of iconic veterans, famous throughout the whole globe, ready to bow out of international football in a blaze of glory.
Lionel Messi – Argentina
Easily the most naturally gifted footballer of the last generation, Lionel Messi has dazzled crowds with his mesmerising skills and abilities, marking him out as one of those players who is capable of winning matches via his own unique brilliance. Although nothing has been officially stated, the Argentina superstar has already hinted that he will consider his international career after the World Cup.
For some fans, Diego Maradona will remain the greatest Argentine player of all time, largely thanks to his 1986 World Cup triumph, which has thus far eluded even the phenomenal reach of Messi. But we can’t rule out this magical player bowing out in a blaze of glory, particularly with Argentina tipped as one of the 2022 World Cup favourites, and that would be the crown jewel of a singularly spectacular career for this fabulous player.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
No player has managed to score more international goals than Cristiano Ronaldo, who has registered 117 in 191 appearances with Portugal, establishing an official world record that is unlikely ever to be matched. Furthermore, he was pivotal towards his country winning the 2016 UEFA European Championship title, something his national team would have previously considered impossible.
Given that so many records have fallen his way, both in club and international football, it’s fair to say that Ronaldo is already considered one of the greatest players of all time. Underpinning his superb technical ability is an enduring hunger for success, matched only by enviable physical strength and fitness, which is remarkable for 37-year-old footballer. This could be his last World Cup, although don’t rule out just one last push beyond the tournament in Qatar.
Luka Modric – Croatia
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, nobody expected Croatia to push all the way through to the final, before they were eventually defeated 4-2 in a spectacular encounter. As one of the star performers at that tournament, Luka Modric captained his national team to previously unheralded heights, largely thanks to his tireless energy and amazing creative vision. He will undoubtedly go down as their most cherished icon, from this particular golden era.
Modric has of course been there and successfully done it all in club football, having enjoyed a glittering career of success at Real Madrid, which includes winning the UEFA Champions League five times. Certainly up there with the greatest the game has produced in the last couple of decades, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is the ideal stage for Modric to bow out, at least when it comes to his international career with Croatia and as captain.
Sergio Busquets – Spain
There is only one previous World Cup winner on this list, and that man is none other than Sergio Busquets, who formed part of the Spain squad which emerged victorious at the South Africa 2010 tournament. His vast experience remains of paramount importance to the national team, and looking further ahead, Busquets remains open minded about his future.
34-year-old Busquets has enjoyed a wonderful career with FC Barcelona and his national team, having earned 139 caps with La Roja over the years.
buy fildena online https://www.icriindia.com/blog/wp-content/themes/twentyseventeen/inc/new/fildena.html no prescription
His exceptional reading of the game and positioning will be sorely missed, both for club and country, while his incredible haul of career honours and trophies makes him a worthy conclusion to this list, especially having won the most coveted prize of them all – the World Cup itself.
