Ronaldo, Di Maria and Other Football Legends Playing Their Last Euro or Copa America in 2024

• The 2024 UEFA European Championship and CONMEBOL Copa America have reached the quarter-final stages
• Copa defending champions Argentina are still in the competition while Italy have been knocked out of the Euros
• Some football legends have confirmed this will be their last continental tournament, with the 2026 World Cup in view

The 2024 European and South American continental international tournaments are taking place simultaneously and have reached the quarter-final stages.

Argentina are still alive to defend their Copa America title, while Italy have been eliminated from Euro 2024 by Switzerland. The tournament will have a new champion, not necessarily a first-timer.

The two tournaments will spell the end for some football legends on the international stage, as they have confirmed it.

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Football legends playing the last Euro or Copa America in 2024

1. Toni Kroos

The German midfielder announced his retirement from professional football before the end of the last season. Euro 2024 on home soil is his final football event before calling it quits. The trophy is the only one missing from his cabinet, and he would wish to bow out with it.

2. Olivier Giroud

According to ESPN, Giroud confirmed he will step aside from international duty after Euro 2024, as he doesn't want to play one season too many. France's all-time top scorer will focus on his club career with Los Angeles FC.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is nearing the end of his career. After missing a penalty during the extra time of Portugal's win over Slovenia, he announced the Euros would be his last, even though he is open to playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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4. Angel Di Maria

Di Maria announced on his Instagram page in November that he would be retiring from international football after the 2024 Copa America. His minutes have reduced with the team. He, Messi and Otamendi are the most senior members of the team.

5. Luis Suarez

Suarez had retired from international duty after the group stage elimination at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Marcelo Bielsa recalled him to be part of the team for the Copa. He has constantly confirmed his days in football are numbered due to a knee problem.

Players who cried on the pitch

Sports Brief analysed players who cried on the pitch after Cristiano Ronaldo's tears for Portugal after he missed a penalty that could have given them victory during extra time.

The captain explained the reason for his emotional moment during the game and confirmed that it would be his last continental tournament with the national team.