Cristiano Ronaldo Matches Messi's World Cup Record and Sets New Age Milestone

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Portugal, made history by becoming the second player ever to compete in six World Cup tournaments when he started for his team against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday. Additionally, he set a new record as the oldest outfield player to start a match in the tournament's history.

Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are now the only two players to have appeared in six editions of the World Cup. Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa could join them if he starts in any match for his country in the current competition.

Lionel Messi became the first player to participate in six World Cups after leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

At 41 years and 132 days old, Ronaldo is the oldest outfield player, excluding goalkeepers, to start a World Cup match.

Ronaldo's World Cup journey began in 2006, followed by appearances in the 2010 tournament in South Africa, 2014 in Brazil, the 2018 and 2022 editions in Russia and Qatar respectively, and now in the current tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.