Spain coach Luis de la Fuente offers opinion on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo retirement ahead of 2026 World Cup

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has shared his thoughts on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's potential retirement. He said that they could make an impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 'should never retire'.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated world football for around two decades. They have been eternal rivals, winning numerous trophies and breaking almost every record. The duo is now in the twilight of their careers, with a potential retirement approaching.

However, fans are expecting to see them at the FIFA World Cup for one last time next year. While Ronaldo has confirmed his presence at the tournament, Lionel Messi has yet to do so. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente shared his thoughts on this in an interview with AS, saying:

“Messi is one of those players who should never retire. Just like Cristiano Ronaldo. They’re fantastic. Whatever Messi’s form is in the Finalissima or the World Cup, he’s one of those players who can make the difference with a single detail. Therefore, total respect and admiration for Leo’s career and for what he still has ahead of him.”

Ahead of the World Cup, Spain will also face Argentina in La Finalissima. It will take place at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on March 27.

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Toni Kroos snubs Lionel Messi's Argentina but picks Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal as World Cup contenders

Argentina won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in the 2022 edition, beating France on penalties in an enthralling final. It marked Lionel Messi's first World Cup trophy, as he led his country to its third. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal have never won the tournament in their history.

In a recent interview with Brazil legend Romario, former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos picked his favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. He said:

"Spain, Portugal, and France. Morocco could be a surprise because technically they have improved a lot in recent years. Germany and Brazil are not in the top 5. Sorry (to Romario) for not saying Brazil, but if they win it, it's worth it."

Kroos, notably, didn't pick Lionel Messi-led Argentina, who also won the Copa America last year. Meanwhile, his surprise pick, Morocco, eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup.

Kroos and Ronaldo shared the pitch 170 times for Real Madrid, combining for 16 goals and winning numerous trophies. Meanwhile, the German faced Messi 22 times, winning nine, losing 10, and drawing the other three games.

Edited by Aditya Singh