When Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both began their World Cup careers in 2006, expectations were high. Ronaldo had already dazzled when he played in Euro 2004 and Messi had just won the U-20 World Cup and was playing strong at Barcelona.
So when both scored in their first-ever World Cup, it only reaffirmed the world’s expectations.
Now, both are in the top 10 all time for total goals scored in the World Cup, and are competing for their nation for their sixth time each. This year, both have even set new records for the event.
And the debate about who is the greatest continues ...
Record-breaking competition
Both became the first players to play in a sixth World Cup alongside Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa, who appeared as a substitute goalie for Mexico in a group stage match against Czechia. Ronaldo and Messi, however, continue to play meaningful minutes for their teams, and both have delivered.
First, Messi scored his first World Cup hat trick in Argentina’s opener versus Algeria, setting up a brace that surpassed Miroslav Klose (Germany) and Ronaldo (Brazil) in the process of becoming the World Cup’s all-time scorer. Currently, he sits at 19 goals.
Messi downplayed the historic feat.
“Beyond anything I’m so happy for the win,” he said, per Spanish news site Hola. “It was huge, tough and difficult. It would allow us to be relaxed to what’s ahead.”
“All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy with my teammates.”
But not to be outdone, the next day Ronaldo accomplished a historic feat of his own — one Messi cannot accomplish, at least this year anyway. Against Uzbekistan, he became the first player to ever score in six different World Cups when he recorded a brace in Portugal’s 5-0 victory, following his scoreless outing as Portugal tied 1-1 in its opener.
It appeared Ronaldo felt good about his performance as he yelled “I’m back” into the camera.
After receiving some criticism in Portugal’s first match, Ronaldo said after the match that it was a “difficult” and “dark” week.
“It felt like I was already retired from football,” but he also claimed he knew things were going to turn around. “I always arrive. Sooner or later, I’m there. It’s about continuing the work. I truly believe that God helps those who work hard.”
The most recent record came in the form of a free kick in Argentina’s final group stage match. The goal made Messi the first player to score in seven straight World Cup matches.
The two just can’t stop breaking records.
The oldest to ever do it
The two, who have been compared to each other their whole careers, are once again being compared as their prolific scoring this World Cup has broke each other’s records as the oldest to ever record multigoal World Cup matches.
In 2018, Portugal tied with Spain thanks to a record-setting hat trick from Ronaldo, when, at 33 years old, he became the oldest to ever score three goals in a World Cup match.
But the record fell as his longtime rival opened with his own hat trick. Messi was eight days from turning 39.
The Portugal legend got him back by spoiling Messi’s record-setting brace that only stood for a day.
Messi’s brace against Austria broke Cameroon legend Roger Milla’s 1990 record as the oldest to record a World Cup brace. So what did Ronaldo do? He recorded his own brace the day after, one-upping the Argentine by setting the new record for such a feat at 41 years of age.
Potential matchup?
Due to Portugal’s draw with Colombia, the two’s only chance of a clash is in the World Cup Final. It would be Messi’s third final appearance and his second consecutive. Ronaldo, however, would be playing in his first.
Next up for the pair are Round of 32 matches. Ronaldo and his nation play Croatia on Thursday at 5 p.m. MDT. Messi and squad plays World Cup darling Cape Verde Friday at 4 p.m.
No doubt the match would generate a lot of buzz around the world, as the two are often argued as the greatest players of all time.
More World Cups?
After playing in a historic six World Cups, the two may try for an appearance in the 2030 World Cup.
Despite telling CNN in an interview that this would “definitely” be his last World Cup, Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez said “no one” should doubt that Ronaldo will appear in the next World Cup, per ESPN. By that time, he will be 45 and his body may not move or recover the same way it does right now, but surely a World Cup co-hosted by his own country could be motivation to stick around.
Martinez believes if Ronaldo sets the goal, then he could accomplish it.
“I believe that having that goal is what allows for longevity. Of course, there is a genetic aspect, the work he puts in — he uses everything that can help his body — and his mentality.”
Messi was less inclined to make any decision right now.
“The truth is, I’m not thinking about that right now. I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present,” he said, per Fox Sports.
But as long as he can continue to “contribute” and “feel good physically” to help his teammates win, he will keep playing.
As the two continue to play at amazing levels, it must come to an end at some point — the only question is when.