The World Cup lost its headline acts as the game’s two biggest stars, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, readied to leave Russia after their teams were eliminated in the round of 16.

Messi’s Argentina lost 4-3 to France and hours later Ronaldo’s Portugal went down 2-1 to Uruguay, leaving the tournament without its two biggest global superstars.

Given their ages – Ronaldo is 33 and Messi 31 – this could be the last the world sees of the pair, who have monopolised the world player of the year award for the past 10 years, on the biggest stage of all.

If Barcelona forward Messi, who previously quit the Argentina team in 2016 before changing his mind, does not continue until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he will end his career without a major trophy for his country.

Lionel Messi is challenged by N’Golo Kante during Argentina’s loss to France. Photo: Getty

After winning a gold medal with Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, many expected Messi to take his country to glory in a World Cup or at least the Copa America.

Yet despite his brilliance – and some talented teammates – Argentina have remained without such a trophy. They lost to Germany in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals and suffered the same fate in the 2014 final in Rio.

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While Ronaldo will be bitterly disappointed to be heading home earlier than planned from Russia, he at least has the consolation of having won his country’s first European Championship, two years ago in France.

Ronaldo played a leadership role in that triumph and Portugal coach Fernando Santos said he hopes he will continue and help him with a new generation of players.

“Certainly, yes, Cristiano still has a lot to give to football. There is a tournament in September, the UEFA [Nations League] and we hope he will be with us to help the younger ones to grow,” he told reporters.

Remarkably, the pair pack their bags still never having scored in a World Cup knockout game.

They will both have expected to have gone much further this time but they did leave their mark in Russia with moments that captured their remarkable talent.

What a performance from @KMbappe!

Here's his @Budweiser #ManoftheMatch interview following #FRAARG… pic.twitter.com/IhLeSX27n8

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Ronaldo struck a hat-trick in Portugal’s opening game – a thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain, including a brilliant late free kick to level the match.

He also grabbed the only goal in the 1-0 victory over Morocco.
Messi’s return in Russia was more meagre.

At times he looked disillusioned on the field as Argentina struggled to find anything like its usual style and he drifted deep into midfield in the forlorn hope of influencing games.

The one moment that will remain in the memory was his sublime goal against Nigeria, where he controlled a long ball over the defence with his thigh, showing incredible technique, before a deft second touch and pinpoint finish.

Mexican referee Cesar Ramos (C) shows a yellow card to Cristiano Ronaldo during the Uruguay match. Photo: Getty

Cavani put Uruguay ahead in the seventh minute when he evaded the Portugal defence to meet Luis Suarez’s pinpoint cross with a bullet header at the far post.

Pepe headed Portugal level in the 55th minute – the first goal Uruguay has conceded in the tournament. But Uruguay regained the lead seven minutes later when Rodrigo Bentancur found Cavani and he curled a brilliant shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Portugal dominated possession but its attack did not have enough bite to break through the Uruguay defence twice, leaving captain Ronaldo a frustrated figure throughout the match.

The Real Madrid forward could not add to his four goals in the first two matches, failing to improve his record of failing to score in all six World Cup knockout matches he has played.

Ronaldo had an opportunity around the half-hour mark to score from a free kick 30 metres out but could only hit the wall.

-with agencies