Messi and Ronaldo to share World Cup record and leave Ramos fuming

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are on course to make even more history this November when they play at their fifth World Cup.

The two ageing superstars, 35 and 37 respectively, have dominated the past 15 years of world football and each made their first World Cup bows in 2006. But another stalwart of the modern game, Sergio Ramos, isn't set to boast the same feat on his CV once this winter's tournament takes place in Qatar.

Having played at the same four tournaments as Messi and Ronaldo, Ramos now finds himself firmly out of the Spain squad and is unlikely to receive a call-up from Luis Enrique in November.

Having proven his fitness this season after 11 games for Paris Saint-Germain, the 36-year-old defender was left extremely disappointed after Enrique snubbed him once again this month for La Roja's final two matches before the World Cup, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Ramos' last call-up for Spain came in March 2021, whilst he was still at Real Madrid. The veteran centre-back remains the most capped player in his nation's history, racking up 180 appearances over his illustrious international career which includes one World Cup and two European Championship winners' medals.

In a late glimmer of hope for Ramos, Enrique last week admitted that he still has a chance of appearing at his fifth World Cup. "The [door] is not closed to any Spanish player that is available for selection. I don't know the percentage of these players which will be at the World Cup" the ex- Barcelona boss stated.

"You want 80 per cent? Well 80... I don't know. It is great news that Sergio Ramos can return to the pitch after a year-and-a-half out due to injuries. Now he is doing so in a continuous way. I can say to you what you want, but I think I have called the best players in his position. The rest, white smoke."

Messi and Ronaldo, meanwhile, are shoo-ins to be called up by Argentina and Portugal respectively. Barring any unfortunate injuries, they're expected to join the prestigious group of players who've featured at five World Cups alongside Mexico 's ever-present 36-year-old midfielder, Andres Guardado.

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Two more Mexicans have already appeared at five editions, legendary goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal and iconic defender Rafael Marquez. German great Lothar Matthaus and Italy 's Gianluigi Buffon round-out the four-man list, the latter of which continues to ply his trade at club level for Parma.

While Messi's place as a starter for Argentina - one of the favourites to win the tournament - is assured, the debate rages on over whether Ronaldo should continue leading the line Portugal following string of lacklustre performances. Manager Fernando Santos doesn't seem to be giving up on the Manchester United superstar yet, though, strongly hinting after their limp 1-0 defeat to Spain on Tuesday that Ronaldo will remain his main man up front in Qatar.

"What interests me is how the team played," Santos replied when asked about his under-fire captain. "Ronaldo had three or four chances. Two very good ones, which he usually scores. He didn't score. It's football."

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