[World Cup Wrap-up ③] Even Messi and Ronaldo cried... The 'Last Dance' ended in tears

*This content was translated by AI.

The grand journey of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup concluded on the 20th (Korea time), just 39 days after opening on the 12th last month. Various issues that had been widely discussed before the tournament, including the historic expansion to 48 participating nations, left clear pros and cons. While Europe maintained its dominance, Asia, with nine participating teams, felt the high wall of world football. Superstars who embarked on their 'Last Dance' put a period on their long journeys with tears of their own. StarNews looks back at the journey of the last North American World Cup through this wrap-up. /Editor's note

One reason why so much attention was focused on the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup by football fans is that it was a tournament featuring an unusually large number of star players who would be performing their 'Last Dance.' Last December, FIFA even identified players for whom this tournament could be their last, and various content media outlets selected a Best 11 for the 'Last Dance.'

In reality, Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami) and Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al-Nassr), along with Luka Modric (41, AC Milan), Manuel Neuer (40, Bayern Munich), and other players in their 40s, as well as Neymar (34, Santos) and Mohamed Salah (34), who once stood at the center of world football, were highly likely to be playing in what would effectively be their final World Cup.

Consequently, the players tried their hardest to pour everything into each match on this final World Cup stage where there was a high possibility they would never play again. Football fans, too, were busy capturing the performances of these players competing in their last World Cup. Attention also focused on how each player performing their 'Last Dance' would achieve a glorious conclusion.

However, most of the players who embarked on their 'Last Dance' concluded the tournament with hot tears. These tears reflected both emotions about ending their World Cup careers and regrets over the tournament results.

Ronaldo, who had challenged for the 'World Cup title' remaining in his career, burst into tears immediately after Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16. The team he captained lost to Spain and was knocked out in the Round of 16. This was Ronaldo's sixth World Cup appearance (tied for first), during which he set various records including scoring in six consecutive World Cups and becoming the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup tournament, but he could not resolve his unfulfilled dream of winning the World Cup title before shedding tears. Football statistics media Squawka reported simultaneously with Portugal's elimination: "Ronaldo played his 27th and final World Cup match for the Portuguese national team. An era has ended."

Neuer, who had announced his retirement but made a surprise return ahead of the World Cup, along with Netherlands center-back Virgil van Dijk (35, Liverpool) and Croatia's Modric, a 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, concluded their long World Cup journeys by being eliminated early in the Round of 32. Brazil's Neymar and Egypt's Salah also failed to achieve significant results, making this tournament's Round of 16 their 'Last Dance' stage at the World Cup. Neymar hinted at retirement, saying, "Everything is over." Kevin De Bruyne (35, Napoli) also ended his journey in the quarterfinals.

Amid the continuous tears from star players, Messi was the only one who truly challenged for a 'Last Dance' until the very end. Forgetting his age, he accumulated attacking points in every match from the group stage opener through to the semifinals, leading Argentina to the final. Whenever the odds seemed bleak, he soared without fail. If Messi had led Argentina to another World Cup title, his 'Last Dance' could have concluded with a dazzling ending alongside back-to-back World Cup championships.

The long-awaited final match was held on the 20th at New Jersey Stadium in New York, USA. However, Messi bowed his head without showing any notable performance. That day, Argentina managed only one shot in over 115 minutes of play, including regular time and the late stages of extra time, resulting in a 'disappointing match.' Messi's presence was also faint. It took 117 minutes after the kickoff for Messi to attempt his team's first shot, but he could not overcome the goal conceded in the first minute of extra time, losing 0-1 and failing to win the championship.

Immediately after the defeat, Messi sat on the ground, burying his face and shedding tears. He poured out hot tears again right after receiving the runner-up medal, disappointing fans. In a post-match interview, he said, "It was sad, but it was a match where we poured everything into it. We accept the defeat because Spain played better." He added, "I cannot forget the victories achieved so far with the Argentine national team. I am grateful to our people, the players, and my country."

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min, who was also listed as a 'Last Dance' candidate by foreign media, concluded his fourth World Cup amidst deep regret. Although he appeared in all three group stage matches (starting two), he failed to record any attacking points. In fact, in the final group stage match against South Africa, he was excluded from the starting lineup for the first time since his debut. Under coach Hong Myung-bo, Korea finished third in its group with one win and two losses, failing to advance to the Round of 32, which went to the top eight teams among the twelve third-placed teams based on performance.

After concluding the tournament, Son Heung-min stated via social media: "I feel a great sense of responsibility for not being able to repay the time and hearts you gave me, as well as your unwavering support and love. I am truly so sorry. And I sincerely thank everyone who believed in us until the end, supported us, and stayed with us."

He also said, "To be able to turn around the hearts of our citizens and football fans, I will do my best from my position again. I will run as if my life depends on it so that I can bring joy to you all once more. I have never forgotten the promise I made with the fans. Until the fans look for me and need me, I will pour everything into myself and prepare to do well again."

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*This content was translated by AI.