Lionel Messi, 39, and Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, dominate the World Cup despite veteran status. Messi opened the tournament with five goals in two matches, prompting a smug Ronaldo to dismiss any concern for his rival. Both stars drew praise from former players, with Rooney noting Ronaldo’s relentless drive to outscore his peers. Their performances have reignited debates about age and excellence in modern football.

Since turning 35, Messi has surged on the international stage, netting 12 goals in his last nine World Cup games – two more than Ronaldo’s 10 and enough to lift him to seventh on the all‑time scoring list, level with Pelé. Ronaldo, meanwhile, remains just two goals shy of that mark, underscoring their tight race. Both players also inspire younger teammates, raising overall squad confidence.

Managers Martinez and other analysts credit the duo’s longevity to tactical evolution; Messi shifted focus to Argentina after leaving Barcelona, while Ronaldo refined his positioning to conserve energy. Their continued goal output forces opponents to allocate extra defensive resources, shaping group dynamics and knockout strategies. They finish the group stage as the tournament’s top scorers. Such influence ensures their legacy extends beyond personal records into team success.