Sports · Full coverage
Messi Keeps Dominating at 39, While Ronaldo Struggles to Keep Up
How 3 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
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First reported by N12 · Jun 22, 2026
What happened
Lionel Messi, about to turn 39, is leading the 2026 World Cup with five goals in two games and remains central to Argentina’s run. Olivier Giroud, Michael Caulfield, and Wayne Rooney credited his longevity to elite habits, motivation, and mentality, while Rooney said Cristiano Ronaldo must be “burning with frustration.”
- 01Messi will turn 39 on Wednesday and leads the 2026 World Cup scoring race.
- 02Argentina beat Algeria 3-0, with Messi scoring a hat trick.
- 03Experts cited his lifestyle, motivation, and mental toughness as key to his longevity.
- 04Wayne Rooney said Messi could still play at another World Cup.
- 05Rooney said Ronaldo is likely frustrated as Messi still excels.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 3 outlets
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