Messi and Ronaldo continue rewriting World Cup records

Lionel Messi celebrates his 39th birthday today, and Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, shows no signs of slowing down. The two legends continue to rewrite World Cup history, with their latest feats coming in the 2026 tournament.

Messi extends all-time scoring lead

Messi scored twice against Austria on Monday, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals, the highest in the competition's history. He had earlier netted a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's opening match. His recent surge includes 12 goals in his last nine World Cup appearances since turning 35, compared to just six in his first 19 games between ages 18 and 34.

Ronaldo makes history with sixth World Cup

Ronaldo became the first player to score at six different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) with a double against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. His goals ended a drought of 11 World Cup matches without a goal, dating back to the 2022 opener against Ghana. At 41 years and 138 days, he is the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, behind Cameroon's Roger Milla (42 years, 39 days).

Ronaldo's performance came after criticism following Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo. He responded emphatically, telling cameras post-match, "I'm back." Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said, "He is a human being. He is allowed to have feelings." Former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney added, "He takes some criticism and this is how he responds."

Rivalry fuels both stars

Both players have scored their first and last World Cup goals 20 years and 11 days apart. Each is also one of only three players to be both his country's youngest and oldest World Cup goalscorer, alongside Denmark's Michael Laudrup. When asked about Messi's five goals in the opening two games, Ronaldo said, "I couldn't care less about others." However, Martinez acknowledged the rivalry's motivational role: "I believe both players have improved football over the years, and their rivalry is important for themselves to grow." Rooney noted, "He wants to be the best... when the other top forwards are scoring goals, he wants to be top of that list."

As the tournament progresses, both Messi and Ronaldo continue to defy age, adapting their games to remain at the pinnacle of world football.