FIFA World Cup 2022 will take place in Qatar this year. However, a few players might as well bid goodbye to the international arena of football sport. The teams are all set for the big stage and we might see some big guns retiring from the sport. There are a few players who might retire without playing in the World Cup itself. But we have come up with the five who will play the World Cup and retire right away.
Here are the five big players who might put an end to their international careers:
1) Thiago Silva – 36 years:
Former Brazil captain Thiago Silva might call it a time right after the FIFA World Cup 2022. He has been battling injuries of late and this might add more misery to his international career.
The 36-year-old might put an end to his international football career. Albeit we can expect him to carry on with his domestic career for quite a few more years from now. He will go down as one of the legendary center-back players of all time.
2) Luka Modric – 35 years:
Luka Modric, the legendary mid-field might call it a time after the 2022 World Cup. The skipper led Croatia to the World Cup final in the year 2018.
Though his team lost to France 4-2 in the finals, the legacy remains. The fans will have to accept the fact that this Real Madrid Great's era is coming to an end and Croatia might have to move on from him.
3) Diego Godin – 36 years:
Diego Godin, the Uruguayan might play his last World Cup this year. And the reputed center-back might even retire from the international arena right after the conclusion of the mega event in Qatar.
Diego Godin has represented Uruguay in the previous three editions of the World Cup. He was a part of the 2010, 2014, and 2018 World Cups. The Cagliari player might represent Uruguay for one last time this year.
4) Lionel Messi – 35 years:
Lionel Messi announced his international retirement in the year 2016. But then reversed it and never turned back. He led his country to the finals in the year 2014.
Considered to be one of the greatest to have ever played the game alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi might hang up the boots after the 2022 World Cup. Having represented Argentina in 162 international matches, Lionel Messi might say goodbye to the international arena.
5) Sergio Ramos – 36 years:
The 36-year-old Spanish center-back might join the likes of Luka Modric, Lionel Messi, and Thiago Silva. Having dealt with multiple injuries and a lack of games, Sergio Ramos might call it a day.
He has been fantastic for Spain throughout his career until injuries ruled him over of late. If he gets recalled for the World Cup squad, then it might very well be the last time, the fans might see him play for Spain.