Ronaldo's ‘Honest’ Reply Implies 2022 World Cup Could Have Been His Last

• Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a major hint about his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• He has represented Portugal at five different World Cup tournaments including Qatar last year
• Ronaldo's best effort was a fourth-place finish in Germany in 2006 in his first-ever World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo has offered a candid response to the possibility that the 2022 FIFA World Cup may have been his final appearance at the global tournament.

Ronaldo, who participated in his fifth Mundial in Qatar last year, is currently on the other side of 30 and is coming to terms with the sobering reality that his illustrious career is nearing its end.

Another World Cup appearance in 2026 would see the veteran turning 41 by the start of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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When asked about the prospects of participating in the flagship FIFA-organised event, the Al-Nassr star stated the tournament was not among his immediate priorities.

"2026 World Cup? I am going, to be honest, I can’t think that far ahead. Anything can happen and I want to live in the moment," the veteran forward, said as quoted by @totalcristiano on social media.

Even though age may not be in Ronaldo's favour, he has fixed his gaze on performing exceptionally well at the upcoming Euros, slated to take place in Germany in 2024.

"I want to have a great EURO and after that, we will see what will happen,” he added.

Messi speaks on World Cup future

Ronaldo's remarks align with those of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, who had confirmed last year that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would be his final appearance at the tournament.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner made this surprising announcement prior to Argentina's final clash against France, a match that ultimately ended in favour of La Albiceleste.

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"I feel very happy to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final. It’s many years before the next one, and I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it’s the best," Messi said at the time, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Ronaldo 'lies' about Portugal's World Cup chances

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Ronaldo not believing Portugal can win the FIFA World Cup, according to a lie detector test conducted on the veteran in collaboration with Binance.

When asked about the Selecao's chances of winning the coveted trophy, the 38-year-old initially responded in the affirmative. However, the polygraph revealed his reply was not truthful.