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Cameroon football legend Roger Milla has shared his thoughts on the enduring brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who continue to challenge the limits of age and performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The veteran striker, who famously became the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, admitted that while playing until the age of 50 may not be realistic, he would be proud to see his record overtaken by either of the two modern-day icons.

Milla praises the timeless icons

The face of Cameroon’s memorable 1990 World Cup campaign expressed deep admiration for Ronaldo, now 41, and Messi, aged 39, for maintaining world-class standards despite their advancing years.

Milla still holds the record as the oldest player to score at a World Cup — a milestone achieved at 42 years and 39 days during Cameroon’s clash with Russia in 1994. However, he insists that he would gladly see Ronaldo or Messi eclipse his achievement, even if it means them continuing their careers into the 2030 tournament.

Speaking to A Bola, Milla said: “What they continue to do is truly beautiful. I say, hats off to Messi, hats off to Ronaldo! People say they no longer run as much, but a player who doesn’t run and still keeps scoring goals deserves even greater respect. What amazes me is how decisive they remain — that’s not something everyone can do. As long as a player feels strong and fit, he should keep playing. Age matters little when you can still perform. And they are proving it.”

Skill conquers physical decline

While discussions around this World Cup have often centered on the reduced mobility of the legendary pair, Milla believes that their tactical intelligence and technical mastery more than make up for any loss of speed.

With Messi already scoring seven goals in the tournament, Milla remarked that football becomes mentally simpler as players age and rely more on experience than physicality.

The former Indomitable Lion added: “Technical quality never disappears. A player with great technique doesn’t need to sprint like a youngster. Smart positioning makes up for many things. As you grow older, you improve tactically and technically. You learn how to position yourself, receive the ball, and gain an edge over your opponent. It’s a balance between what you lose and what you gain.”

Exploring the boundaries of footballing longevity

With what may be their final World Cup appearances approaching, both Ronaldo and Messi are redefining the limits of athletic endurance. Milla suggests that playing into the mid-forties could soon become achievable for elite players.

“Reaching 50 years old seems impossible to me, but playing until 43 or 44 is absolutely possible,” Milla explained. “When your body tells you to stop, you must listen. There’s no point in deceiving yourself. At that age, when you walk off the pitch, you’re completely drained.”

Records are meant to be broken

Despite holding one of the most iconic records in World Cup history for more than thirty years, Milla insists he is not protective of his legacy. For him, football’s emotional essence outweighs numbers and records, even as he acknowledges the greatness of Messi and Ronaldo.

“I don’t need to hold on to that record. Records exist to be broken. Those of Pelé, Michel Platini, and Diego Maradona were broken too. What makes me proud is representing my country in three World Cups and bringing so much joy to our fans. Football isn’t about numbers,” Milla concluded.