Ronaldo, now 40 and still leading the line for Portugal ahead of the 2026 World Cup, has surpassed 950 career goals. Messi, 38, recently added another chapter to his remarkable story by driving Inter Miami to an MLS Cup title and collecting a second straight league MVP award.

Speaking to TNT Brasil, Haaland said both icons have influenced his approach to the game.
“Cristiano and Messi have shown every player what it takes to stay elite for 15 years,” the Manchester City striker said. “The way Cristiano looks after his body is unbelievable. To still be performing at 40 that deserves total respect.”

Messi and Ronaldo are expected to stay on the pitch for several more years, with Ronaldo under contract at Al Nassr until 2027 and Messi tied to Inter Miami through 2028.

Haaland, 25, also marked a personal milestone this week, scoring his first goal at the Santiago Bernabéu in City’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid. The penalty was his 55th goal in 54 Champions League matches.

“Playing and scoring here is special,” he said. “Real Madrid’s history in this competition speaks for itself. Get a win at the Bernabéu feels big.”

The Norwegian star is now looking toward his first World Cup Norway’s first appearance in 28 years. His stunning qualifying run, averaging two goals per game, was a driving force in the team’s breakthrough.

Asked if he allowed himself a celebratory drink after sealing World Cup qualification, Haaland laughed. “I’m not a beer fan at all, but I had one. It meant a lot. I wasn’t even alive the last time Norway qualified. Now I get to experience it.”

With his club form soaring and a long-awaited World Cup debut ahead, Haaland says he’s chasing longevity as much as trophies and he knows exactly whose example to follow.