If you have searched for how old is Messi and Ronaldo, you are probably wondering how the two football legends compare by age. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated world football for more than a decade.
As of September 2026, Messi is 39 years old, while Ronaldo is 41. Ronaldo is therefore two years older than Messi.
Both players were born in the 1980s. Yet their careers have continued into an era when many players from their generation have already retired. Their longevity has helped make their rivalry one of the most recognised stories in modern football.
So, how old is Messi? Lionel Messi was born on 24 June 1987. Cristiano Ronaldo was born on 5 February 1985.
How Old Is Messi in 2026?
Lionel Messi is 39 years old as of September 2026.
Messi was born on 24 June 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He celebrated his 39th birthday in June 2026.
His career has already lasted more than two decades at the highest level. Messi first appeared for Barcelona’s senior team as a teenager and went on to become one of the club’s most successful players.
His career later took him to Paris Saint-Germain and then Inter Miami. FIFA has highlighted his long career and major achievements, including his 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina.
Messi’s age is especially notable because he has continued playing international and club football well into his late 30s. His longevity has allowed him to add more milestones to an already remarkable career.
How Old Is Cristiano Ronaldo in 2026?
Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 years old as of September 2026.
Ronaldo was born on 5 February 1985 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He turned 41 in February 2026. FIFA also recorded his date of birth as 5 February 1985.
Ronaldo began his senior career with Sporting before moving to Manchester United. He later became a major star at Real Madrid and also played for Juventus.
After returning to Manchester United, Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in January 2023. His career has therefore covered several major European leagues as well as the Saudi Pro League.
His longevity became even more notable during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA reported that Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different editions of the World Cup.
How Old Are Messi and Ronaldo Compared?
The simple answer is that Ronaldo is two years older than Messi.
Messi was born in June 1987, while Ronaldo was born in February 1985. Because their birthdays fall in different months, the exact age gap is about two years and four months.
In September 2026, Messi is 39 and Ronaldo is 41.
Their age difference has remained relatively small throughout their careers. It helped create a long-running rivalry because both players spent many years competing at the highest level during the same era.
They also appeared together at FIFA’s major awards events. In December 2007, Messi was 20 and Ronaldo was 22 when they attended the FIFA awards for the first time.
When Were Messi and Ronaldo Born?
Lionel Messi was born on 24 June 1987.
Cristiano Ronaldo was born on 5 February 1985.
Ronaldo therefore entered the world more than two years before Messi. Despite this difference, both players became established stars during the same generation of football.
Their careers overlapped across domestic competitions, European football and international tournaments. That overlap helped turn their individual achievements into a constant point of discussion among football fans.
How Long Have Messi and Ronaldo Played Professional Football?
Both players have enjoyed exceptionally long professional careers.
Messi made his senior Barcelona debut in 2004 as a teenager. He then spent many seasons developing into the central figure of Barcelona’s attack.
Ronaldo began his senior career with Sporting before joining Manchester United in 2003. His move to Real Madrid in 2009 then marked another major stage of his career.
Over time, both players changed aspects of their games. Messi became known for his creativity, close control and playmaking, while Ronaldo developed into an extremely prolific goalscorer.
Their ability to adapt helped them remain important long after the age when many footballers leave elite competition.
Messi and Ronaldo’s Longevity
Age is only one part of the story behind their careers.
Both players have maintained professional standards for many years. Their careers have also benefited from experience gained across different competitions and tactical systems.
Messi reached 40 club trophies according to FIFA’s profile published in 2026. Meanwhile, Ronaldo continued adding international milestones at 41.
Their longevity is also visible at the World Cup. Both players appeared at six World Cups in 2026. FIFA reported that Messi made 34 World Cup appearances, while Ronaldo made 27.
These figures show how long both players remained involved at football’s biggest international tournament.
Why Do People Still Search for Messi and Ronaldo’s Ages?
Interest in their ages continues because both players have been part of football culture for so long.
A younger football fan may have grown up watching Messi and Ronaldo compete during their peak years. For older fans, their careers represent one of the defining periods of modern football.
Their age also provides useful context when looking at their achievements. Playing at the highest level during your late 30s and early 40s is unusual in elite football.
That makes questions such as how old is Messi and Ronaldo especially common whenever either player reaches another birthday or career milestone.
Are Messi and Ronaldo Still Playing in 2026?
Yes. Both Messi and Ronaldo remained active professional footballers in 2026.
Messi continued his career with Inter Miami. He also represented Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA later reported that Messi would make his final Argentina appearance in a farewell friendly against Benin on 6 October 2026.
Ronaldo also continued playing for Al Nassr and represented Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
His tournament included another major milestone. FIFA reported that he became the first player to score in six different World Cups.
Who Is Older, Messi or Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo is older than Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo was born on 5 February 1985, while Messi was born on 24 June 1987. That makes Ronaldo approximately two years and four months older.
In September 2026, Ronaldo is 41 and Messi is 39.
Although Ronaldo is older, both players have maintained remarkably long careers. Their continued presence has kept their names at the centre of football discussions.
Conclusion
So, how old is Messi and Ronaldo in 2026?
Lionel Messi is 39 years old, while Cristiano Ronaldo is 41. Messi was born on 24 June 1987, and Ronaldo was born on 5 February 1985.
Ronaldo is therefore about two years and four months older than Messi.
Both players have enjoyed careers lasting more than 20 years. Their longevity, achievements and international careers have made them defining figures of modern football.
Even in their late 30s and early 40s, their careers continued to attract worldwide attention. That is one reason searches about their ages remain popular among football fans.
FAQs
How old is Messi?
Lionel Messi is 39 years old as of September 2026. He was born on 24 June 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.
How old is Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 years old as of September 2026. He was born on 5 February 1985, in Funchal, Madeira.
Who is older, Messi or Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo is older than Lionel Messi. Ronaldo was born in February 1985, while Messi was born in June 1987.
What is the age difference between Messi and Ronaldo?
The age difference between them is about two years and four months. Ronaldo was born on 5 February 1985, while Messi was born on 24 June 1987.
When did Messi turn 39?
Messi turned 39 on 24 June 2026. His birthday is 24 June.
When did Ronaldo turn 41?
Ronaldo turned 41 on 5 February 2026. FIFA marked his 41st birthday in February 2026.
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