Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: The Farewell of a Generation

This World Cup could be remembered as the farewell tournament for some of the players who have defined the last two decades of global football. The most striking image emerged during Argentina's opening match. Lionel Scaloni was visibly emotional when substituting Messi, later explaining why: "I cried because this is Messi's last World Cup. It's coming to an end, and every time I think about it, I start to cry. It's a privilege to watch this man play."

I've often shared my opinion on Ronaldo's role in our national team. Currently, he adds little when starting. He participates less and less in offensive plays, reacts poorly to losing possession, and his movements are more geared towards scoring goals than serving the collective. None of this diminishes his past achievements; quite the opposite.

Perhaps that's why I view this World Cup with the same emotion Scaloni showed towards Messi during his substitution. It might be the last time we see these two players in a World Cup. In Messi's case, it's still impressive how he continues to dazzle. If this truly is his last World Cup, he will be remembered for exactly what he always was: a genius of the game. For Ronaldo, there's a risk that those who didn't see him in his prime years will form an incomplete picture of a player who shaped world football for two decades.

This is also why knowing when to close a chapter is so important. Ronaldo can still be a crucial piece in this competition, but likely in a different role. Something similar to what Lukaku did against Egypt: coming on for the last 20 or 30 minutes, shaking up the game, pushing the team forward, and facing already fatigued opponents.

Even so, the final image will hardly do justice to the extraordinary player he was for so many years. Regardless, for football enthusiasts, this World Cup could mark the end of an era. For two decades, Messi and Ronaldo dominated the game like few others in history. They were the main attractions. They fed off each other. They pushed each other to overcome seemingly impossible limits. Those privileged enough to follow their careers witnessed history being written week after week.

Just below the two kings of the last two decades emerges Modric. A cerebral, intelligent player, endowed with extraordinary vision and technical quality. He was king and master in Croatia and became a Real Madrid legend. He always thought the game ahead of others. He always found spaces where few could see them. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a rare serenity in moments of greatest pressure. Modric doesn't run; he glides across the pitches.

In an increasingly physical and fast-paced game, his intelligence set him apart. Despite not being physically imposing, he always managed to assert himself in an area of the pitch where battles are common. He proved that the game still belongs to those who think faster and execute better. Modric's farewell to major international competitions should not be overshadowed by Messi or Ronaldo. In football, there's room for everyone, especially for those who are special.

Let's see if the Brazilian star can bid farewell to major competitions on the pitch. Neymar has had a brilliant career, but he's one of those players who leave you with the feeling that they could have achieved even more. He possessed rare talent. He was one of the most creative players of his generation. There was always something unpredictable about his game. A dribble, a feint, a pass, or a technical gesture that no one else saw. For many years, he was the face of Brazilian football. For all these reasons, there's a lingering feeling that he could have reached the level of Messi or Ronaldo. The talent was there. What he lacked was the same daily dedication to his profession and the same obsession with excellence that characterized the two great rivals of this generation.

Another incredible player. He will be missed in England, having played for Manchester City, and he will be missed by his national team. On the field, De Bruyne shed his apparent shyness. He possesses unbelievable vision. He has the ability to make things look simple. He thinks faster and executes with immense quality. Throughout his career, he established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation. His long-range shots will be missed, but above all, the passes that no one else saw.

These four are also likely to bid farewell to major competitions this year. Neuer has had a fantastic career. He changed the way we look at goalkeepers. His ability to play far from his goal and participate in build-up play helped redefine the position. Dzeko was the greatest figure in Bosnian football history. An intelligent, competitive, and difficult-to-mark striker who performed at the highest level for many years. Salah is the Prince of Egypt. He became a Liverpool icon and an inspiration for millions of fans in the Arab world. He was one of the most influential players of his generation. Lukaku is a force of nature. He hasn't always received the recognition he deserved, but he was a decisive player in Belgium's best generation of recent decades. The phrase "technical power" fits him perfectly.

I've saved Harry Kane for last. It's likely we'll still see him in the next World Cup, but this is a good opportunity to talk about one of the most underrated players of his generation.

It seems to me that football has never given him the recognition he deserves. He is a fantastic player. He's a number 10 and a number 9 simultaneously. He has passing quality, vision, and a rare ability to make the team play. He knows how to drop deep, link up play, and organize like a midfielder. At the same time, he finishes inside and outside the box, with his left foot, right foot, and head.

He's also the first defender for his teams, always available for collective effort. Perhaps because he doesn't have the same flair as others, or because his career hasn't been surrounded by the same media hype, he often unfairly goes unnoticed.

For me, he is the most complete forward in the game today. When this generation is remembered, Harry Kane deserves to be among the great names who marked this era.