'Genetic difference' between Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi starting to show with CR7 still in 'such a good state' at 40, claims ex-Man Utd assistant Rene Meulensteen

Ronaldo and Messi are still going strong despite their advancing years. The Portuguese superstar celebrated his 40th birthday in February but is still banging in the goals for club and country. Ronaldo has now scored 943 career goals and is edging closer to his dream target of 1,000 before he hangs up his boots. Meanwhile, Messi's latest goal for Inter Miami against the Seattle Sounders means the World Cup winner now has 20 in 21 MLS matches this season for Javier Mascherano's side.

Meulensteen has now shared his thoughts on the differences between the two superstars. Speaking to football betting site BetVictor, Meulensteen said: “It takes its toll, obviously. They're different players, different physical specimens as well. Cristiano Ronaldo is an athlete, 187 cm or something, and more than anything, as everybody knows, he has looked after himself unbelievably well. I'm not saying that Lionel Messi hasn't, I'm sure he has, but they're just physically different kinds of players. 

"Messi has always wanted the ball to feet, and then his magic started with a lot of turns and twists and explosive runs. But I think it's just possibly nothing else other than a genetic difference between them. They're both exceptional players that have brought absolute beauty to the game. 

"We are so fortunate to have grown up to have those two players going toe to toe with each other because that competition has brought the best out of them. 100% that rivalry, but also that mutual respect that they have for each other. But Cristiano, physically, he's in such a good state. I can't see anything else than just some genetic difference, and obviously maybe Messi starts to feel it a little bit more. You know, the day-to-day routines of training and recovery and all this and that."

The longevity of both players means the duo may well feature at World Cup 2026. Meulensteen certainly expects Messi to feature in North America, Canada and Mexico as Argentina aim to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. He added: "At some point, more things start to ache. It takes longer to recover. I would still expect to see Messi at the World Cup."

Before then, both players will aim to add to their extensive trophy cabinets. Messi has already tasted silverware with Inter Miami after lifting the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters Shield in 2024 but Ronaldo is yet to taste glory with Al-Nassr. Yet he has vowed to "make history" with the club after signing a new two-year contract over the summer.