Sunil Chhetri applauds Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's unending hunger at World Cup 2026

Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has showered rich praise on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, urging young athletes to replicate their legendary longevity and undying competitive fire.Speaking as a pre-show analyst on Zee5's expert panel for the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, the former Indian captain expressed his amazement at how both superstars continue to dominate the sport well into their late thirties.

"Think about Messi and Ronaldo, who are almost 40. For them to perform like this on the world stage is unbelievable," Chhetri stated. "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."

Record-Breaking Icons

Both veterans have set the tournament ablaze with historic milestones. Argentina's Lionel Messi rewrote the record books to become the World Cup's all-time men’s leading goalscorer.

His clinical brace during a 2-0 group-stage win over Austria took his tally to 18 goals, overtaking Germany's Miroslav Klose who previously held the record at 16.Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo achieved immortality by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups. The Portuguese talisman netted twice in a 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan. At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo also cemented his place as the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, trailing only Cameroon legend Roger Milla.

Standout Moments

When asked about his personal highlights of the mega-event so far, Chhetri highlighted Messi’s vintage hat-trick and Japan’s statement 4-0 victory. "Japan’s win was a special moment because it showcased how far Asian football has progressed," Chhetri added, while also recalling the electrifying atmosphere of the Morocco-Scotland match he witnessed live in Boston.The tournament has also seen the next generation rise to the occasion.

France's Kylian Mbappé hit a century of international appearances and joined Klose on 16 World Cup goals, while Norway's Erling Haaland became the first player since 2018 to score multiple goals in his opening two games, racking up four goals in Group I.Chhetri feels fans should stop comparing the eras and simply cherish the spectacles. "Messi and Ronaldo have created their own legacy, while Mbappé and Haaland will create their own stories. As a neutral, just watch and enjoy," he concluded.