Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have set a retirement date that will keep his rivalry with Lionel Messi going until the 2026 World Cup.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is 38 years old and, while staying in peak physical condition, is aware that the day will come when he must retire. However, there are no intentions to do so anytime soon, as Al-Nassr and Portugal have been notified of his long-term objectives.
According to Cadena COPE, Ronaldo has informed his Saudi club that he would prefer to negotiate a contract extension until 2027. That agreement would allow him to play for his country in another World Cup finals co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ronaldo previously stated that his international career could end after next summer’s European Championship, despite the fact that the all-time great already has 201 caps and 123 goals for Portugal. He is, however, now focusing on another global spectacle.
Extending his career till the age of 41 will allow Ronaldo to compete with his constant opponent Messi. He witnessed the Argentine superstar’s World Cup triumph in 2022 and aspires to do the same. According to reports, he wants to play until “early 2027,” which would take him through another three seasons.
