The end of the times? Is it time to say goodbye to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James?

Wednesday saw the three greatest sports stars in the past 20 years suffering heartbreaking failures, but is it time to start preparing to say goodbye?

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James Now it is necessary to acknowledge the reality of its higher age.

We checked their setbacks and pushed the clock forward to predict whether this was indeed the beginning of the end.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The sight of Ronaldo seems to be arguing with himself as he beat Kawasaki Frontale in Al Nassr's AFC Champions League last second, while standing alone in the central circle would upset his biggest fans.

The Portuguese superstar had an excellent chance to grab a late-stage equalizer, but his boundaries were fluffy as the Japanese side reached the final.

This extended Ronaldo’s wait for a major trophy with his Saudi Arabian club, before he admitted that “dreams must wait.”

But despite his advancement for several years, the 40-year-old showed no sign of slowing down.

He scored an incredible 91 goals for Al NASSR in 102 games, and his legendary work ethic means he is still in good shape.

A new contract is reportedly awaiting signing and he is likely to hope to play his final Swansam in a big match against Portugal next summer at the World Cup.

Verdict: Ronaldo's ego will continue to push him. Hope to see former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus stars lasted for at least a few years.

▪The former lost 3-2 in the AFC Champions League semi-finals
▪Assist Miami to lose 5-1 in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi eliminated the Mainland game on the same day 😔 pic.twitter.com/ite65rhm7f

– B/R Football (@brfootball) May 1, 2025

Lionel Messi

Messi's drought stretched to four games when his Miami team lost 3-1 to Vancouver Whites in the Cocoa Champions League semifinals – the Canadians won with a 5-1 overall victory.

The 37-year-old Argentinian is an outsider because he didn't deliver goods at once when he needed it most.

His future seems to be clearer than his great rival Ronaldo.

Contract negotiations are clearly in progress, so Messi is in the face with Miami, and they move to a new stadium in Liberty Park next year, 2026 also gives him the opportunity to help his country defend his delivery of such a significant World Cup title in Katar.

After that, he seemed almost impossible to achieve.

Verdict: Don't be surprised if Messi walks away after the 2026 MLS season and maybe another World Cup champion medal in his back pocket.

LeBron James

James and superstar Luka Doncic should inspire the Los Angeles Lakers to win NBA playoff success. Instead, they were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.

James scored 22 points in Game 5, but it wasn't enough, as the Timberwolves got relief 103-96.

After that, the 40-year-old was asked how long he would continue to play and his response was vague.

“I don't know,” James said. “I don’t have an answer. [It’s] I sat down with my family, my wife and the support group, just chatted to see what would happen, and talked to myself, just how long I wanted to keep playing. ”

LeBron James is 2-12 in his last 14 playoff games:

🧱2023: 0-4 vs Nuggets

🧱2024: 1-4 vs Nuggets

🧱2025:1-4 vs timberwolves pic.twitter.com/q4unjfudb2

– Bricks (@brickscenter) May 1, 2025

He has a 24-month contract with a year left, but has the option to open free agents this summer.

Verdict: It depends largely on the development of his son Brownie.

If the young James can get more game time in the majors, that could give LeBron too much temptation and he will almost certainly see his deal with the Lakers.

However, after 2026, it begins to become blurred. Enjoy James and you can be the last one next season.