Overview
- Oliver Kahn made the remarks on ZEE5 in comments broadcast June 30, saying Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi pushed each other for nearly 20 years and that their rivalry was built on performances rather than words.
- Kahn reflected on his own 2002 World Cup experience, noting he won the Golden Ball as a goalkeeper but would trade that honour for a World Cup winners’ medal.
- He urged young players to embrace pressure, singled out Jude Bellingham as a tournament standout, and praised Canada and Cabo Verde for their team spirit and clear identities.
- Tournament results have altered official measures of individual form, with Germany’s knockout loss contributing to Lionel Messi rising to No. 1 in FIFA’s Power Rankings.
- Both Messi and Ronaldo are widely expected to be playing in their last World Cup and can meet only if their teams reach the final, making the remaining knockout matches decisive for their lasting legacies.