Jurgen Klopp in awe of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as GOAT duo make big World Cup impression

Jurgen Klopp has revealed himself to be an enthusiastic observer at the 2026 World Cup, praising the continued dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Liverpool manager was deeply impressed by the way the two veteran stars continue to shape the tournament despite their advanced age.

Messi and Ronaldo have been the highlight of this World Cup, boasting their status as GOATs despite their age. The 59-year-old was particularly impressed by Ronaldo’s reaction after initial criticism. After a weak start, the Portuguese star struck back with a brace in the 5-0 victory against Uzbekistan, becoming his country’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

“As a mere spectator, it naturally captivates me a bit because they are the best players of the last ten, fifteen years,” Klopp explained in an interview with Sky Sports. “But what was great to see was this: after the first game, in which Cristiano Ronaldo was heavily criticized – even I noticed that – to then strike back like that, and at 41 years old with an extremely lively, intense performance, I was very pleased. The fact that he’s still so bothered at his age when something doesn’t work out is extraordinary, and his reaction is all the more impressive.”