Emma Hayes: Messi, Ronaldo and football’s ageless wonders can thrive into their 40s

Emma Hayes believes football is entering an era in which its greatest forwards can keep performing at the very top level well into their 40s, pointing to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the clearest examples at this summer’s World Cup. Writing for the Guardian, the former Chelsea Women and USA head coach said she would not be surprised to see Just Fontaine’s long-standing record of 13 goals in a single World Cup, set back in 1958, finally broken this year given the calibre of forwards currently on show.

Hayes noted that Messi, at 39, has taken his tally for the tournament to seven goals after scoring again in Argentina’s win over Cape Verde, while Ronaldo, 41, has netted three times for Portugal. She argued that the modern game’s premium on positioning, timing and game intelligence over pure athleticism means such players are far from finished, and suggested it is now plausible that both Messi and Ronaldo could feature at another World Cup.

Brains over brawn

According to Hayes, elite modern finishers still require explosive bursts of pace, but the defining skill is now instinct and understanding of space in crowded penalty areas. “A lot of the important things are in the brain rather than in the engine,” she wrote, adding that this generation of forwards has spent years perfecting that craft.

She also credited lifestyle and professionalism for extending careers, citing Robert Lewandowski thriving at 37 despite missing out on this World Cup, Harry Kane’s meticulous approach to his fitness at 32, and the discipline shown by younger stars such as Erling Haaland. Hayes pointed to Brazil legend Marta, still scoring impressive goals at 40, as further evidence that senior players are too often written off prematurely based on outdated assumptions from previous eras.

Different styles, equal impact

Hayes drew a clear distinction between the styles of Messi and Ronaldo. She described Messi as operating centrally in the width of the six-yard box during build-up phases, evolving into more of a creator than a pure goalscorer, someone who draws pressure before releasing teammates into space. She singled out his free-kick against Jordan, where he appeared to signal his intentions to the goalkeeper before scoring, as proof of his ability to think a step ahead of opponents.

By contrast, she characterised Ronaldo as a more traditional, imposing number nine who remains a constant aerial threat and clinical finisher. Hayes said she has become an even bigger admirer of Messi over the past four years because of the way he continues to drive Argentina’s attacking play, both scoring and creating chances, while stressing that comparing the two players does them a disservice given how fortunate football fans have been to witness both for so long.

Hayes suggested the debate should instead shift towards appreciating the individual qualities each player brings, a question she believes will eventually be asked of the current crop of young stars such as Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal as their own careers develop.

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