Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are breaking records

Asked about Messi’s five goals in the first two World Cup games on Tuesday, Ronaldo said: “I can’t think less of the others,” adding that Mbappe also scored.

No matter what the Portugal forward says, the appearance of some of the biggest stars in world football at this tournament would have been a source of inspiration. Especially Messi.

“I believe that both players have improved in football over the years, and their rivalry is important for their own growth,” Martinez admitted.

“He wants to be the best at what he does,” Rooney said of Ronaldo’s attitude towards Messi. “So, of course, when other top forwards score goals, he wants to be at the top of that list. His reaction here is exactly what you’d expect.

“He’s selfish in the sense that he wants to be the best, but he’s also a team player. Watching Messi last night and Ronaldo tonight is unbelievable. At their age, what they’re doing is unbelievable.”

Both Ronaldo and Messi have had to adapt their game to stay at the top.

Since turning 35, Messi has found a new level on the international stage, scoring 12 goals in his last nine matches at the World Cup. That’s two more than Ronaldo’s total of 10 and would put him level with Brazilian icon Pele for seventh on the all-time World Cup scoring list.

Between the ages of 18 and 34, Messi scored just six goals in his first 19 games in the competition.

Has been in form since leaving Barcelona. Since leaving the Catalan club, it could be argued that he may have prioritized playing for Argentina. Many in his country argued that he was not in his peak years to compete at the top of Europe.