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Cristiano Ronaldo may not have left a significant mark on Portugal's lackluster 1–1 World Cup opening draw against D.R. Congo, but his appearance was enough to etch his name into the record books.
Stepping onto the field in Houston, Ronaldo joined fierce rival Lionel Messi as only the second player to compete in six separate World Cup tournaments. In the process, he also claimed the title of oldest outfield player to start a World Cup game, at 41 years and 132 days of age.
That record had previously been held by Canada's Atiba Hutchinson, who was 39 years and 296 days old when he featured in a group stage match against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup.
Men's World Cup Oldest Players
Only three male outfield players have ever appeared in a World Cup at the age of 40 or above. Ronaldo is one, Luka Modrić is another. The first was Cameroonian legend Roger Milla, who dazzled at the 1990 tournament at age 38 before returning four years later for one more chapter. Milla had already turned 42 by that point, though he only came on as a substitute when the World Cup was last held in North America in 1994.
Every other World Cup player aged 40 or over has been a goalkeeper.
Milla, a forward and still the World Cup's oldest goalscorer, had long held the record as the tournament's oldest participant, including substitute appearances. However, that mark was surpassed by Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón (43 years, 13 days) in 2014, and pushed further by Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary (45 years, 161 days) in 2018.
Ronaldo, who is also Portugal's youngest World Cup goalscorer from his debut at the 2006 tournament, could theoretically become the outright oldest World Cup player if he continues for another four years to 2030 and Portugal advance deep enough to surpass El Hadary's record.
However, that prospect is fading rapidly. Not only is it becoming increasingly apparent that he can no longer perform at the top international level, but Ronaldo himself has indicated he does not plan to continue beyond 2027, when his current Al Nassr contract is set to expire.
Could Lionel Messi Break Ronaldo's World Cup Age Record?
Messi had no such difficulties as he tore Algeria apart in Argentina's opening match on Tuesday. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and reigning 2022 World Cup champion turns 39 next week, meaning he would be celebrating his 43rd birthday during the next World Cup.
If—and it's a significant if—Messi is still playing in 2030, he would become the oldest outfield player ever to appear at a World Cup, whether as a starter or substitute. His career with Inter Miami is secured until at least the close of 2028 following the new deal he signed last year, though whether he would extend beyond that remains uncertain.
Messi notably avoided committing to even the 2026 World Cup, and his inclusion in the tournament was only truly confirmed once Argentina announced its final squad.