Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho Gaucho, who is on a two-day visit to Kolkata during the Durga Puja, on Wednesday opened up about the possibility of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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The 2026 World Cup will be held in United States, Mexico and Canada. Many believed the 2022 World Cup would be the last for Messi and Ronaldo. The two stalwarts of the game was believed to step down anytime before the 2026 World Cup.
However, Ronaldinho appeared confident that there is a good chance we might see both the Argentinian and the Portuguese in the grand stage again in 2026.
The Brazilian magician is visiting Kolkata at the moment. On Tuesday, Ronaldinho was asked about chances of seeing Messi and Ronaldo at the next World Cup at an East Bengal event.
Ronaldinho, who himself played with Messi during his time in Barcelona, answered in the affirmative.
Ronaldinho needed the help of East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat to answer the question, the latter translating for the former.
Ronaldinho said, “Yes, they have the quality to be there in 2016.” Cuadrat added, “Ronaldinho knows a lot about quality.”
“It will depend on the way they take care of themselves during the next few years but quality-wise, definitely.”
Ronaldinho is participating in several programs in Kolkata and inaugurate a Durga Puja pandal too.
The legendary footballer is also likely to meet CM Mamata Banerjee.
This is the former Ballon d’Or winner’s first visit to the football-crazed city that has welcomed numerous football legends, including Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi.
Earlier this month, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner announced his plans to visit Kolkata on Facebook. In that message, he outlined the reason for his visit and stated that he would be visiting the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club.
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