2022 World Cup; A Potential Farewell for Messi and More!

Undoubtedly, the World Cup stands as every footballer's ultimate aspiration. Irrespective of their prowess, absence from this grand stage leaves a void in their careers. It's a momentous event that defines legacies.

Yet, each player's World Cup clock ticks differently. Time, inevitably, becomes a factor. The 2022 Qatar World Cup might signify the swan song for some notable names.

Luka Modric, the stalwart of Real Madrid's midfield and Croatia's national team, may bid farewell to World Cup glory post the 2022 edition in Qatar. Since his debut in the 2006 World Cup, Modric's presence has been pivotal in Vatreni's midfield.

The zenith of Modric's journey was steering the Blazers to the 2018 World Cup final. Now 37, he boasts 155 caps for Croatia but seeks a crowning achievement for his country. The 2022 World Cup stands as his final shot at this coveted milestone.

For Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, the 2022 World Cup potentially marks the culmination of his international tenure. A pivotal figure since the 2010 World Cup triumph and the 2014 trophy holder, Neuer, at 36, faces the twilight of his national team career.

His records boast 113 caps, 48 clean sheets, and 108 goals conceded, excluding the 2022 World Cup. As Neuer steps back, Ter Stegen and Trapp await their opportunity to fill his colossal shoes.

Dani Alves, determined to craft a graceful exit from international football, eyes a triumphant closure after missing the 2018 World Cup due to injury. Tite's call-up signals a chance for the 39-year-old to leave an indelible mark at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Alves, now gracing UNAM Pumas, holds 124 caps in the Brazilian national team and could become the oldest defender to grace this tournament. Qatar might well be the stage for his final act on this illustrious platform.

Much like Neuer, Thomas Muller faces the prospect that the 2022 World Cup might draw the curtains on his international career. Aged 33, this German stalwart has etched a remarkable journey with Der Panzer.

Having graced the German squad 118 times and netted 44 goals, Muller's impact resonates deeply. His inaugural stint at the 2010 World Cup saw him emerge as the tournament's top scorer, a foreshadowing of his subsequent success, notably contributing to the 2014 title triumph.

Despite being briefly overlooked by Germany in 2019, Muller gears up to give his all for his country, striving to etch yet another chapter in his illustrious career.

As reports suggest, the 2022 World Cup looms as the final global stage for Argentina's icon, Lionel Messi. At 35, La Pulga boasts an illustrious array of awards and milestones. Despite this, his international accolades, limited to the Copa America and the Finalissima, starkly contrast his individual achievements.

The 2014 World Cup Final remains a haunting memory, the Albiceleste falling short against Germany. With Qatar on the horizon, Messi eyes his last chance at seizing the elusive World Cup trophy. His tally of 91 goals from 165 caps for the national team continues to ascend, encapsulating his unwavering commitment.

Ronaldo, Messi's perennial rival, braces for what could potentially mark his final World Cup appearance in Qatar. With 117 international goals across 191 appearances for Portugal, CR7's legacy stands unmatched.

At 37, adorned with trophies from Manchester United, Juventus, and Real Madrid, Ronaldo remains resolute in his ambition to deliver his best on the grandest stage for his country. His pursuit includes securing the EURO 2016 trophy, but his ultimate aspiration might just culminate in the 2022 World Cup.

The revelation of Luis Suárez's inclusion in Uruguay's squad for the 2022 World Cup took many by surprise. A crafty player known for both his skill and notoriety—most notably remembered for the infamous incident against Ghana—he now stands at 35, with this tournament potentially marking his farewell from the global stage.

Suárez's World Cup journey has been a tapestry woven with controversy. From the handball incident in 2010 to the biting incident involving Giorgio Chiellini in 2014, these events have marked his time on this grand platform. Despite these incidents, he remains a linchpin for the Uruguay national team, boasting an impressive 134 caps and a prolific 68 goals.

The 2022 World Cup might well signify the denouement of Robert Lewandowski's international tenure. The stalwart striker, captain, and an irreplaceable figure for Poland, he embarks on this tournament at 34 with hopes of leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.

Remarkably prolific at club level with an astounding 527 career goals across various competitions, Lewandowski's World Cup endeavors have notably lacked similar success. Despite netting 76 goals in 134 appearances for the Polish national team, he's yet to find the back of the net in World Cup finals, often hindered by Poland's inability to qualify beyond the group stages in previous tournaments.

As Lewandowski eyes his last chance to showcase his international prowess, he aims not just to qualify Poland from the group stages but also to finally etch his name on the scoresheet in Qatar.

Brazil's coach Tite has handed his defender, Thiago Silva, what could potentially be his swan song at the World Cup. A year junior to Dani Alves, Silva, at this juncture, may be set for his final World Cup appearance in Qatar.

Silva's World Cup trajectory is quite the narrative. Initially a substitute in the 2010 edition, he swiftly ascended to captain Brazil in 2014, pivotal in their passage beyond the group stage alongside David Luiz, with Brazil conceding a mere two goals during this phase.

However, the euphoria was short-lived as the Samba team faced a devastating 7-1 defeat against Germany in the semi-finals. Now at 38, Thiago Silva aims to validate Tite's faith in him and leave an enduring mark on this tournament.

Karim Benzema's journey has been fraught with challenges, including involvement in a controversial case in 2010 and 2015, leading to his expulsion from the French national team. This absence deprived him of participation in the World Cups of South Africa and Russia. His recent return post-EURO 2020 signifies a determined effort to contribute to France's cause.

Fresh from clinching the Ballon d'Or, Didier Deschamps has summoned Benzema for the 2022 World Cup. The talisman is resolute in overcoming his past, focusing solely on his role for France in Qatar.

At 34, this World Cup could mark Benzema's final chapter on the grand stage. Since his debut in 2007, he has amassed 97 caps and scored at least 37 goals for France. Anticipation brews about Benzema's potential surprises in Qatar—indeed, a storyline worth collectively awaiting.