Who Is Older Messi Or Ronaldo? A Detailed Age Comparison
Football fans often debate the merits of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but one of the simplest facts to verify is their age. Knowing who was born first not only satisfies curiosity but also provides context for their career timelines, milestones, and longevity in the sport. In this article we will present the exact birth dates, calculate their current ages, and briefly compare how their ages have influenced their playing styles and achievements.
Birth Dates and Current Ages
Lionel Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. As of today, 7 July 2026, Messi is 39 years old and has just celebrated his 39th birthday.
Cristiano Ronaldo entered the world on 5 February 1985 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. This makes Ronaldo 41 years old, turning 42 in February 2027.
Therefore, Cristiano Ronaldo is older than Lionel Messi by approximately 2 years and 4 months. This age gap has shaped their respective career arcs, with Ronaldo reaching certain milestones earlier while Messi’s peak performance has often coincided with his late twenties and early thirties.
Early Career Milestones
- Messi: Joined Newell’s Old Boys youth academy at age 6; moved to Barcelona’s La Masia at 13 after a growth‑hormone treatment was needed.
- Ronaldo: Started at Andorinha (age 8), progressed to Nacional and then Sporting CP, making his professional debut at 17.
Both players broke into senior football before turning 18, but Ronaldo’s earlier debut in the Portuguese Primeira Liga gave him a head start in senior competition, while Messi’s transition to Barcelona’s first team at 17 set the stage for his record‑breaking La Liga tenure.
Physical Development and Playing Style
Ronaldo’s older age is reflected in his physical evolution. Standing at 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in), he has leveraged his height, strength, and aerial ability to become a prolific goal scorer. Messi, at 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in), relies on a lower center of gravity, exceptional dribbling, and rapid acceleration.
The age difference also influences their conditioning approaches. Ronaldo’s training regimen emphasizes muscle mass and explosive power, which has helped him maintain a high goal‑scoring rate into his late thirties. Messi focuses on agility, flexibility, and injury prevention, allowing him to retain creative
