Erling Haaland is taking inspiration from the longevity of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he prepares to join the legendary duo at the 2026 World Cup.
Haaland helped Norway qualify for their first World Cup since 1998 as they romped to eight victories from eight games in a UEFA qualifying group that included Italy.
The Manchester City striker scored 16 goals in those eight qualifiers, matching Robert Lewandowski's single-campaign record in UEFA World Cup qualifying. The Poland star netted 16 times in qualifying for the 2018 tournament, but he needed 10 games to do so.
Haaland will now feature at his first World Cup, with Norway set to face France, Senegal and a still unknown inter-confederation play-off winner, with their group-stage games being played in Foxborough and New Jersey.
Should Norway progress through the tournament, Haaland could come up against Messi or Ronaldo, who are both set to feature at a sixth edition of the World Cup.
Asked if he took inspiration from the duo's achievements and longevity, Haaland told ESPN Brasil: "Of course.
"I think for every single football player on this planet, both Cristiano and Messi are an example of what you should do, how you should do to be able to perform at the highest level for 15 years in the greatest leagues.
"They are both inspirational. Cristiano maybe has let us in a bit more on the things he's been doing. Look at how he takes care of his body!
"This is amazing. He's 40, it's incredible to still be able to play. All respect to him for being able to do that. It's not easy."
Before last week's group-stage draw was made, the Opta supercomputer ranked Norway as ninth favourites to win the World Cup with a 2.3% chance.
Messi's Argentina were fourth favourites at 8.7%, with Portugal sixth with a 6.6% probability.
Reflecting on Norway's celebrations after clinching qualification, Haaland said: "I don't like beers but I did [celebrate]!
"It was really special to finally qualify for the World Cup, for the first time in 28 years.
"I never lived when there was a World Cup with Norway in it. Now I finally get to live through it. It's a special moment. It's going to be amazing."
Norway's opening Group I match will be against one of Bolivia, Suriname or Iraq on June 16, with Senegal next up on June 22 and their showdown with France – and Kylian Mbappe – set for June 26.
AFerusmc6546
0
Norway is good and have star players they can cause an upset u never know it a World Cup ,all tensed and pressured up!!
Nothing special dem go still disqualify dem try yes but de ain’t getting too de quater final or finals
AFerusmc6546
0
Stop forcing him to praise Messi. CR7 is his inspiration as clearly noted from his response all through...
Dummy it’s almost 2026 get sense
AFerusmc6546
0
Media Trying to make it look like he cares about Messi [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Dumb idiot grow sense it almost 2026
jizadklpry
0
actually such a cool achievement. sad we can’t watch him in a top national team like the two goats in question but he made history in his own way
Norway is good and have star players they can cause an upset u never know it a World Cup ,all tensed and pressured up!!
GaddafiJamal
0
Stop forcing him to praise Messi. CR7 is his inspiration as clearly noted from his response all through...
Madrid Fans & Sense Are Wide Apart 🤌🤣
Sovoty
6
True indeed. Ronaldo is an inspiration to all of us bcos few could be like Messi. Messi's more than hardwork and talent. Messi is Messi.
Sovoty
3
Stop forcing him to praise Messi. CR7 is his inspiration as clearly noted from his response all through...
I didn't know Haaland was forced to mention Messi's name. Not that Messi would care. If Messi cared, he would have responded to Ronaldo's jibes at him. Messi doesn't care abt petty issues and people like Ronaldo and his fans
Sovoty
3
Media Trying to make it look like he cares about Messi [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Why would he care or not care abt Messi? Messi probably wouldn't even care whether or not Haaland or whoever player cared abt him. He has a family and teammates both in Argentina and Miami that care abt him. Just look at Ronaldo, he keeps saying things against Messi. Messi never responds. Messi doesn't care abt petty issues by petty people like yourself.
EAG1996
1
Media Trying to make it look like he cares about Messi [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
veecmpsuz
2
So Haaland has taken his national team to the world cup after a 27 year long wait, now this is a guy who deserves all the flowers.
actually such a cool achievement. sad we can’t watch him in a top national team like the two goats in question but he made history in his own way
veecmpsuz
1
Stop forcing him to praise Messi. CR7 is his inspiration as clearly noted from his response all through...
😂 as if people need help praising the GOAT
veecmpsuz
1
unfortunately for him, he is not on argentina or portugal 😭 awesome that he helped get them into the world cup though
ayinlamudathir
1
Stop forcing him to praise Messi. CR7 is his inspiration as clearly noted from his response all through...
Willygeez
5
So Haaland has taken his national team to the world cup after a 27 year long wait, now this is a guy who deserves all the flowers.