New Delhi, June 30: German football legend Oliver Kahn believes the iconic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to be replicated, praising the pair for pushing each other to extraordinary levels of excellence over nearly two decades.
Speaking as part of the expert panel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage on ZEE5, Kahn said the rivalry was defined not by words but by consistent performances that inspired both players to raise their standards season after season.
“Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have pushed each other for almost two decades, and it is truly remarkable to see the level of football they continue to play. Their rivalry was never built on words; it was built on performances. Every season, they pushed each other to become even better. Football may never see another rivalry with that level of consistency and excellence,” Kahn said.
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated world football for years through their club careers, although they have never faced each other in a FIFA World Cup match. With the ongoing tournament widely expected to be their final World Cup appearance, both stars will be aiming to add another memorable chapter to their legendary careers.
Reflecting on his own World Cup journey, Kahn recalled the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he became the only goalkeeper to win the Golden Ball despite Germany finishing runners-up.
“The 2002 World Cup remains one of the greatest experiences of my career. Losing the final still hurts because, as an athlete, you always want to win, especially the World Cup. But with time, you begin to appreciate the journey, the team spirit and the experiences you shared with the squad,” he said.
Kahn added that while winning the Golden Ball was a tremendous honour, he would gladly trade the individual accolade for a World Cup winner’s medal.
Offering advice to aspiring goalkeepers, the former Germany captain encouraged young players to embrace pressure, keep learning and remain focused throughout the tournament.
“My advice to young players is simple: learn, learn and keep learning. Most importantly, learn to enjoy pressure instead of fearing it. At the World Cup, the entire world is watching you, but that is exactly what you play football for.
“Stay focused on every single action because one moment can define your entire tournament,” he said.