Fifa World Cup 2018: Five players who will take their final bow in Russia

These veterans are all legends of the game. Their artistry with the ball has hypnotised football fans from across the globe. Ahead of 2018 edition of the Fifa World Cup in Russia, Business Standard looks at the legends who might hang their boots after this World Cup.

The Spaniard will pull on the red and black jersey for the last time at this year’s World Cup. He will be remembered as one of the most important players in Spain’s football history. Iniesta has played 123 times for Spain, a record bettered by only Andoni Zubizarreta, Xavier Hernández, Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas. Iniesta will hope to end his international career on a positive note after the disappointments in Brazil 2014 and of Euro 2016. “At the moment, naturally, this World Cup will possibly be my last appearance for the national team,” Andres said in a radio show. Iniesta had helped Spain in World Cup 2010 after scoring the all-important goal against the Netherlands in the final.

In all possibility, this is Messi's last shot at the ultimate footballing honour. Messi had already announced his international retirement after a Final defeat from Chile in Copa America Centenario. It goes both ways for Messi, even if Argentina wins this World Cup, Messi would like to end his international career on a high. There might not be a place for Messi in Argentina if the team loses the championship with a reshuffle likely to happen. Messi echoes the urgency in an interview, “My dream is still the same – to be in the final and lift the cup. We want to lift the Cup this time since this might be the last chance for our generation of footballers to win it.” Will the little magician finally taste the World Cup gold?

The Real Madrid forward was instrumental in Portugal's most recent Euro 2016 win. He is 33 years of age and has stated that he would like to play football at the highest level until he was 41 but he will have to face the music soon. Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards and the one trophy missing from his shelf is the World Cup. So, this year's World Cup may his final chance to get the ultimate trophy in football.