Mumbai, June 25: Renowned Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri has lauded Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting that their relentless desire to improve even after a long and successful career sets them apart.
Chhetri stated on G5, “Messi and Ronaldo are nearly 40 years old. Their ability to perform at such a high level on the global stage is remarkable. If young footballers can learn one thing from them, it is their hunger. They have won almost everything in football, yet they continue to play with the same passion and commitment.”
When asked about his favorite tournament moments, Chhetri mentioned Messi’s memorable hat-trick, Japan’s impressive 4-0 victory, and the Morocco-Scotland match.
He remarked, “Messi’s hat-trick reminded everyone why he is one of the greatest players in this sport. Japan’s 4-0 win was another special moment, showcasing how far Asian football has come. Watching the Morocco versus Scotland match live was fantastic due to the incredible atmosphere and quality.”
Chhetri believes football fans are fortunate to witness the final chapter of Messi and Ronaldo’s illustrious careers, alongside the rise of a new generation led by Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
“I don’t think there is any rivalry between generations. Messi and Ronaldo have carved their own identities, while Mbappé, Haaland, and others will create their own stories. Just watch them and enjoy. You never know how many more opportunities you will have to see Messi and Ronaldo on such stages,” he added.
Reflecting on the performances of the world’s top forwards, Chhetri said, “I don’t think anyone has disappointed. Messi, Ronaldo, Haaland, Mbappé, Harry Kane, Isak, and Gyökeres have all performed well. It’s not common to see all the big names shine so early in a major tournament. It has been great for football fans.”
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all current top forwards have thrilled fans with their performances. Messi, with five goals in two matches, has become the most successful player in World Cup history, scoring 18 goals and surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who held the previous record of 16 goals.
On the other hand, Ronaldo became the first player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cups (Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022, and now USA-Mexico-Canada 2026). After missing a goal in the first match, Ronaldo scored two goals against Uzbekistan in the second match, playing a crucial role in Portugal’s 5-0 victory.
At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo has become the second oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, following Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored at 42 years and 39 days in 1994.
Kylian Mbappé played his 100th international match for France during the World Cup, becoming the tenth French player to achieve this milestone. Norway’s Erling Haaland has also played a key role in advancing his team to the next round, scoring four goals in two matches.
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