Sunil Chhetri explains why Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain football's gold standard
Chhetri also hailed Messi and Ronaldo for defying age and expectations, praising the iconic duo's enduring excellence and unwavering commitment to success.
India football legend Sunil Chhetri lauded several of the tournament's biggest attacking talents and highlighted some of the FIFA World Cup's most memorable moments so far, including Lionel Messi's hat-trick, Japan's dominant 4-0 victory, and Morocco's encounter with Scotland among the standout matches that have caught his attention at the tournament.
Sunil Chhetri marvels at Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's longevity: (AFP and Reuters)
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Reflecting on the performances of the world's leading forwards, Chhetri said the tournament's marquee names have all risen to the occasion. "I think none of them have disappointed. Messi, Ronaldo, Haaland, Mbappé, Harry Kane, Isak, Gyökeres; all the strikers who were talked about before the tournament have delivered. It's not very common for all the big names to come to the party so early in a major tournament, and that's been amazing for football fans," Chhetri, who recently joined ZEE 5's FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel, said.
Chhetri also hailed Messi and Ronaldo for defying age and expectations, praising the iconic duo's enduring excellence and unwavering commitment to success.
"Think about Messi and Ronaldo, who are almost 40. For them to perform like this on the world stage is unbelievable. If there is one thing young footballers should learn from them, it's their hunger. They have won almost everything in football, but they still play with the same desire and commitment," Chhetri added.
Asked to identify his favourite moments of the tournament, Chhetri pointed to Messi's memorable hat-trick, Japan's dominant 4-0 triumph, and the Morocco-Scotland encounter that he watched live in Boston.
"Messi's hat-trick reminded everyone why he remains one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Japan's 4-0 win was another special moment because it showcased how far Asian football has progressed. And Morocco versus Scotland was a fantastic match to witness live, both because of the atmosphere and the quality on display," he said.
“Messi and Ronaldo created their own legacy”
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Looking ahead, Chhetri believes football fans are fortunate to witness both the final chapters of Messi and Ronaldo's legendary careers and the rise of a new generation led by Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. "I don't think there is a rivalry between the generations. Messi and Ronaldo have created their own legacy, while Mbappé, Haaland and others will create their own stories. As a neutral, just watch them and enjoy. You never know how many more opportunities you'll get to see Messi and Ronaldo on a stage like this," Chhetri concluded.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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