JAKARTA -- Two famous footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, have presented evidence that age is not a limit to keep competing at the highest level of the gridiron. In the last one to two decades, Ronaldo and Messi have crossed to assert their legacy as a superstar.

Messi has just proved that at 34 years of age, his influence is still as important for the Argentine national team. He scored five goals against Estonia, one via penalty and four through open play .

The five goals he previously showed off while still strengthening Barcelona in the match against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2012 Champions League last year. According to Marca , Wednesday (8/6/2022) La Pulga, nicknamed Messi, became the first player to score five goals in one match in European competition and international matches with the Argentine national team.

Messi's former coach in the Argentina U-20 national team, Hugo Tocalli, said that this time was the best for Messi while playing on the international stage. It reminded him of the owner of the seven titles of the world's best player (Ballon d'Or) when he was playing at the junior level.

"The Messi I see now is the Messi I know as a player I used to watch every day. He shows with his quality," Tocalli told Mundo Deportivo , Wednesday.

The surprise was also presented by Messi's eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. The star just scored twice in Portugal's 4-0 win over Switzerland in Group A2 of the UEFA Nations League.

Practically with the addition of these two goals, Ronaldo now packs a total of 117 goals for the Portugal national team in all competitions. UEFA's official website lists Ronaldo's 117 goals as the top contenders for the international top scorers list. Messi also trailed and was level with Ferenc Puskas, a former Hungarian national team player, who collected 84 goals.

However, the shocking spectacle took place when the two stars played at club level. Messi ended the season by winning his first French Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

However, La Pulga failed to maintain its reputation as the most vicious goal machine. The footballer born in Rosario, Argentina, was only able to collect 11 goals for PSG. That then became Messi's worst result since the 2005/2006 season when he scored eight goals for Barcelona. In contrast to his 14 goals with La Albiceleste, the nickname of the Argentine national team, this year.