Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: here's a weekly wrap on their life, football and records.

Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé had already delivered memorable performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026. On Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his legendary career.

They are the two greatest players of their generation, perhaps of any generation. For two decades, the debate over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has consumed football. Both have graced 5 World ...

Cristiano Ronaldo has mostly filled his trophy case, but he is still chasing an unprecedented milestone of 1,000 official career goals in competitive football – as well as the 2026 World Cup title.

Illustration: Kelsea Petersen / The Athletic; Mark Leech / Getty, Carmen Mandato / Getty, Image Photo Agency / Getty, Llulis Gerry / Getty, Tim Clayton / Getty, Ryan Pierse / Getty, Fayez Nurelzine / ...

After Messi and Ronaldo proved wingers can do more than cross the ball, why are Premier League clubs paying so much for so little production?

Cristiano Ronaldo is making sixth World Cup appearance. Barring something unforeseen, this one will represent his final chance of hoisting the famous trophy above his head. The Portuguese supernova ...