Lionel Messi just turned 37 a few days ago, a milestone that makes fans nostalgic about one of the most illustrious careers in world football history.Lionel Messi celebrated his 37th birthday in the US, where he is playing for Inter Miami and pursuing new challenges in MLS. Previously, he and Argentina started the 2024 Copa America impressively with a 2-0 victory over Canada.
In a reflective mood, Messi shared with ESPN Argentina before the Copa America: “I love football, love training and competing. My biggest fear is when everything ends. Leaving Europe to Coming to Miami was a difficult decision. Winning the World Cup has given me a different perspective on everything. I want to enjoy every remaining moment on the field, with my teammates, friends and fans .”
After conquering all the peaks, Messi chose Inter Miami as his final destination, searching for new records in MLS and closing a glorious journey.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, two years older than Messi, spent his 37th birthday playing for Manchester United. The fact that both are still playing at an age when many would have retired shows extraordinary class and rare endurance.
In contrast to M10, Ronaldo still aspires to conquer the top in Europe when he turns 37. He scored 22 goals for Manchester United that season, but the “Red Devils” only finished in a disappointing 6th place. The following season, Ronaldo left Old Trafford ahead of the 2022 World Cup and joined Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League on his 38th birthday.
Since turning 37, Ronaldo has continued to play energetically, scoring 92 goals and providing 22 assists in more than 100 matches for club and country, proving that age is not a barrier for CR7.
So if compared, what are the parameters of Messi and Ronaldo at the age of 37?
Summary of parameters that Messi and Ronaldo achieved at the age of 37.
Lionel Messi (37 years old)
- Number of matches: 1065
- Minutes played: 87,492
- Goals: 837
- Build: 374
- Goals from the penalty spot: 109
- Hat-tricks: 57
- Goals from free kicks: 65
- Minutes per goal: 104.5
- Minutes per goal excluding penalties: 120.1
- Minutes per goal or assist: 72.2
Cristiano Ronaldo (37 years old)
- Number of matches: 1103
- Minutes played: 89,754
- Goals: 803
- Construction: 230
- Penalty goals: 143
- Hat-tricks: 58
- Goals from free kicks: 57
- Minutes per goal: 111.7
- Minutes per goal excluding penalties: 135.9
- Minutes per goal or assist: 86.88
Epilogue
The M10’s stats are slightly better, but football is clearly more than just a battle of statistics. Let’s enjoy the remaining few years of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. Despite choosing different paths, both remain an endless source of inspiration for generations of young players.
Can Messi continue to shine in MLS and break more records? And what success will Ronaldo achieve in Saudi Arabia? The journey of these two legends promises to continue fascinating and dramatic until the last moments.
