Data shows that both Messi and Ronaldo have scored their first and latest FIFA World Cup goals exactly 20 years and 11 days apart.
Messi scored his first FIFA World Cup goal on June 16, 2006, in Germany during Argentina's match against Serbia and Montenegro. On June 27, 2026, during Argentina's group stage match against Austria, Messi scored two goals—his latest World Cup goals to date. This spans exactly 20 years and 11 days.
Ronaldo scored his first FIFA World Cup goal from the penalty spot on June 17, 2006, in Portugal's 2-0 victory over Iran. On June 28, 2026, Ronaldo scored twice in the first half as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan—these goals also come exactly 20 years and 11 days after his first World Cup goal.
This remarkable span significantly surpasses other football legends. Germany's Miroslav Klose ranks third with an interval of 12 years and 40 days between his first and last World Cup goals. Denmark's Michael Laudrup and Croatia's Davor Šuker follow, with intervals of 12 years and 19 days, and 12 years and 13 days, respectively.
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