Cristiano Ronaldo has scored at a record sixth World Cup, yet one milestone still escapes both him and Lionel Messi, who turned 39 on Wednesday.
Ronaldo’s opener against Uzbekistan in Portugal’s second group game made him the tournament’s second-oldest goalscorer at 41 years and 138 days.
Even so, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward still trails Cameroon icon Roger Milla.
Milla first appeared at the 1982 finals in Spain, but it was Italia ’90—aged 38—when he became a global star, netting four as the Indomitable Lions reached the quarter-finals, the first African team to do so, and celebrating with his trademark corner-flag dance.
He scored again at USA ’94, finishing from close range against Russia and reviving the famous celebration, although Cameroon lost 6-1 and exited in the group stage.
Ronaldo can take comfort in nudging Messi from third to fourth on the age list after the Argentine scored at 38 years and 363 days in a win over Austria.
Messi could be pushed further down if 40-year-olds Edin Dzeko or Luka Modric find the net.
Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo is nine months older than Messi but has yet to play.
There’s also the outside chance of a veteran goalkeeper making history—six are older than Messi, including Manuel Neuer, Vozinha and Fernando Muslera—but no keeper has ever scored in any of the 22 World Cups since 1930.
Austria’s Marko Arnautovic, 37, entered the top 10 at this tournament with a late penalty against Jordan.
For now, Milla’s record looks secure—unless Ronaldo or Messi fancy one more run when the 2030 World Cup hosts games in both Portugal and Argentina.
Never say never.