Cristiano Ronaldo’s determination to win the World Cup is not driven by a desire to outshine Lionel Messi, according to Eric Djemba-Djemba, who told GOAL that the Portuguese icon’s motivation comes from his relentless hunger for success. A global triumph on North American soil this summer would complete the 41-year-old’s glittering medal collection and allow him to match his greatest rival’s crowning achievement.

Ronaldo and Messi are both preparing to feature in their sixth World Cup appearances. When the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Ronaldo will join Messi in setting a new record, as no player has ever participated in six editions of FIFA’s premier event. Once again, football history will be rewritten.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi returns in search of another world title after lifting the coveted trophy at the end of the thrilling 2022 campaign. Turning 39 on June 24, Messi is widely expected to bring his international career to a close once the major tournament in the U.S. concludes.

Ronaldo, already past his 41st birthday, could follow a similar path. However, the Al-Nassr forward continues to defy age, leading his Saudi Pro League team to a championship in 2026 and showing no signs of slowing down. He remains focused on reaching the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals before even considering retirement from his record-breaking career.

Still, if Ronaldo were to capture the World Cup crown alongside Bruno Fernandes and his Portuguese teammates, it might bring him closer to contemplating the end of his playing days. Having already achieved nearly everything in football, few goals now inspire him more than delivering World Cup glory to Portugal.

When asked whether Ronaldo’s drive to win stems from a desire to match Messi’s World Cup triumph, former Manchester United midfielder Djemba-Djemba, speaking exclusively to GOAL through World Cup Betting, explained: “I think Cristiano wants to win the World Cup not because of Messi, but for himself. Not because of Messi.”

He added, “I remember after training, we used to practice shooting, free kicks—everything—and he would get really upset when he missed a shot or failed to score. Of course, Messi created a rivalry between the two, that’s normal, but Cristiano was always doing it for himself. He wants to win this World Cup for him, not because of Messi.”

Ronaldo and Messi’s rivalry has spanned two decades, producing 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them. While neither has allowed the other’s success to overshadow their own ambitions, their competition has undeniably defined an era of football excellence.

Both legends could potentially end their careers with over 1,000 goals each, but one will ultimately finish ahead. When asked if Ronaldo’s competitive nature would push him to claim that distinction, Djemba-Djemba replied, “Of course. Cristiano loves a challenge. You need something to drive you to be the best, and Cristiano pushed Messi to improve, just as Messi pushed Cristiano. They motivated each other to reach the top.”

In terms of fixtures, Argentina will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign first, facing Algeria on June 16. It is still uncertain whether Messi, who has recently been managing an injury, will be fit to lead his side from the start. A few hours later, Portugal will open their tournament against DR Congo, with Ronaldo expected to captain the team. The veteran forward will be hoping this marks the first step towards fulfilling his lifelong dream of lifting football’s ultimate prize.