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SPORT

The revenge of 40-year-olds in the World Cup: From the eternal Messi-Ronaldo war to the hero of Cape Verde!

Politiko 2026-06-22 10:17:00

The revenge of 40-year-olds in the World Cup: From the eternal Messi-Ronaldo war

The competitions of this World Championship are bringing a variety of stories, not always common to those seeking the essence of the most beloved sport in the world.

Amid the different colors of football boots and mandatory breaks to freshen up, we have seen a Turkish commentator suspended from his job after describing the Iran-New Zealand match for 4 minutes, completely confusing the teams. On the other hand, on the streets, Mexican fans have become one body and soul with the South Koreans, an unexpected sporting brotherhood.

But on the green field, this World Cup is turning into the "revenge of the 40-year-olds." Beyond the Norwegian machine Erling Haaland, who shows that he has quality and a frightening future, or that heroic goalkeeper from Cape Verde, Vozinha, who almost single-handedly blocked the European champions, the main attention remains on the veterans.

Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon tops the list as the oldest, at over 43. He is followed by Cristiano Ronaldo at over 41, Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also 41, and Croatian leader Luka Modric around 40. The list of unbreakables is completed by names such as Edin Dzeko, Manuel Neuer and Fernando Muslera.

With the exception of goalkeepers, whose longevity is often tolerated more, field players seem to be breaking the laws of biology. Lionel Messi, at his age, has already scored a hat-trick since his Argentina debut – where he faced Zidane's son as Algeria's goalkeeper – appearing like a perfect machine who knows how to manage his energies with skill throughout the game. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo "boils" from within because of his "drought" in front of the goal, with an unstoppable fixation on reaching the 1000-goal mark in his career or the desire to play again. He remains a man addicted to the mentality of the winner, extremely demanding of himself, but who does not leave any fan without fulfilling his desire for a photo or an autograph.

Is this simply a veterans' World Cup? One thing is certain: the showdown between Messi and Ronaldo, both participating in their sixth World Cup, remains equally fascinating in answering the eternal question of who is the best.

And to add even more "spice" to this edition, there are also off-field events, such as the case of a very attractive and unidentified fan who has "crazed" social networks and the stadium steps, the fall of Croatia against England, or even a Brazil under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti that is still not finding its identity. Everything serves as an excellent appetizer for the spectacular journey until the grand final on July 19. /tch