Representing one's country in the World Cup is the pinnacle for every footballer. Many players have had the honour of donning their nation's colours for more than just a single edition of the competition.
The likes of Antonio Carbajal and Lothar Matthaus took part in 5 World Cups, for Mexico and Germany respectively. The 2018 World Cup in Russia too will not be the first for many players.
The likes of Mesut Ozil, Neymar and Sergio Ramos have all featured in previous tournaments and are likely to be a part of the next edition as well.
However, some players may not have that privilege and Russia 2018 could be the final time they get to showcase their talents on such a huge stage.
On that note, here are five legends of the game who will be playing their final World Cup:
1. Andres Iniesta
Iniesta called time on his Barcelona career at the end of this past season after spending 23 illustrious years at the club. Iniesta has also been a part of the Spanish national team since 2006, making 126 appearances and scoring 13 goals.
Iniesta played a major role in Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph, scoring the winner in the final against the Netherlands to give La Furia Roja their only World Cup trophy till date.
Iniesta has been a part of the side for three World Cups and the upcoming edition in Russia will surely be his final one. The Spanish midfielder is already 34 years of age and now that he has signed with Japanese club Vissel Kobe, there is simply no way he will be playing at a high enough level in 2022 to make the Spanish squad considering the talent coming through the ranks.
2. Pepe
Pepe was the Man of the Match in the Euro 2016 final, helping Portugal overcome France in a thriller. That remains his only international trophy till date and he will be looking to add the 2018 World Cup to his haul. Pepe currently plies his trade with Besiktas after spending 10 years at Real Madrid but still has the ability to compete at the highest level.
He played a major role in their qualifying campaign, helping them finish on top of the group. The defender has been a part of 2 previous World Cup campaigns - in 2010 and 2014 - and considering the fact that he's currently 35, this is all set to be his final one.
3. Rafael Marquez
Denmark v Mexico - International FriendlyRafael Marquez has featured in four World Cups for his side and is still going strong at the ripe old age of 39. The Mexican captain has officially retired from club football after returning to his beloved Atlas and will lead his side one last time in the World Cup.
Marquez has played a whopping 143 matches for his nation and will be hoping to add to that tally significantly and guide his side through to the knockout stages at the very least.
Marquez has won 4 trophies with Mexico in what has been a glittering international career that began way back in 1997. He will look to end it on a high in Russia 2018.
4. Lionel Messi
Argentina Open Training SessionMessi has won everything there is to win at the club level but international success has still eluded him and this is probably going to be his last chance to get his hands on the World Cup trophy.
The Argentine maestro had announced his retirement from international football in the past but decided to return to help lead his side to success.
Messi is currently only 30 and ability wise will still be able to make the cut in the next World Cup set to be held at Qatar, however, if Argentina fail to win the competition this time around, he may not have the will to continue to plough on.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
How fitting it would be for Cristiano Ronaldo to bow out of the international stage with a World Cup trophy in his hands. Ronaldo will lead the Portuguese in the 2018 World Cup as they look to repeat the heroics of Euro 2016 where they defied all odds to eventually lift the trophy. While it looks unlikely, with the best player in the world in their ranks anything is possible.
Ronaldo has not had the greatest of times in the World Cup, having featured in 3 editions already, scoring just 3 goals in total. However, all that will be forgiven if he does indeed find some of his club form in the tournament this year.
Ronaldo will be 37 by the time the next World Cup rolls around and there is simply no way his body can hold up considering the number of games he plays for Real Madrid every season.
Do you think these players should continue playing after this World Cup? Let us know in the comments.
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