Messi is old, short and slow. How is he still dominating at the World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup records as he retires

Cristiano Ronaldo appears to create history wherever he competes, and the recent tournament was no different. The 41-year-old forward achieved a notable milestone during this summer’s event. He became one of only three players to participate in six editions of the World Cup, joining the ranks of Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa. By scoring against [] Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup records as he retires

He's 39, it's his 6th World Cup, and he has scored more men's World Cup goals than anyone in history — meet Messi 2026

At 39, Messi has reached 21 career World Cup goals — surpassing Miroslav Klose's all-time men's record. He has also scored his first World Cup hat-trick and leads the 2026 Golden Boot race. Here's every record in one gallery.

Cristiano Ronaldo records brace as Portugal routs Uzbekistan

(Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)Cristiano Ronaldo turned in a vintage performance with two goals and delivered Portugal to their first win of this World Cup, a 5-0 rout of overmatched Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston.Ronaldo became the first player with goals in six editions of the World Cup. He eclipsed Eusebio as Portugal's all-time World Cup goals leader with 10. And at 41, he is the second-oldest g

Could Ronaldo really play at the 2030 World Cup, aged 45? Have your say!

Could Ronaldo really play at the 2030 World Cup, aged 45? Have your say!

Merino strikes at the death for Spain to send Portugal and Ronaldo limping out

It ended with a goal from a tall, slightly ungainly figure driving through the centre-forward position – but perhaps not the one that the narrative demanded. In stoppage time, Mikel Merino ran on to Ferran Torres’s through-ball and, with impressive calm after a scrappy game that had largely lacked it, rolled the winner past Diogo Costa. He celebrated, as he had after his winner against Germany at the Euros two years ago, with a run around the corner flag, echoing his father’s celebration after scoring for Osasuna in Stuttgart in 1991.At the other end, an actual centre-forward slumped. For Cristiano Ronaldo, this was the end. As the final whistle blew, he stood staring bleakly into the middle distance, mortality having caught up with him at last. He is the only player ever to score in six different World Cups, but he will not score in another one. At 41, the tournament is finally all over for a player whose longevity has been a marvel. Continue reading...