Messi and Ronaldo Could Face Off at the World Cup

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been held, and both Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal are set to plan their paths in the tournament. Messi and Ronaldo could potentially become the first players in history to participate in six World Cups during the tournament in North America.

Both players made their World Cup debuts in 2006, hosted by Germany, and have competed in every World Cup under the FIFA flag since. Ronaldo, however, continues to face challenges.

Despite twice winning the UEFA European Championship and the Nations League, Ronaldo has never scored or assisted a goal in any World Cup knockout matches. Portugal reached the semifinals in 2006 during Ronaldo’s first tournament at age 21, but later exited in the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2018, and in the group stage in 2014.

In the most recent World Cup, Ronaldo was benched during the knockout stage and couldn’t prevent Portugal’s loss to Morocco. On the other hand, Messi endured a series of disappointments in the first 16 years of his international career.

Argentina lost three Copa América finals and one World Cup final during that period. However, Messi’s fortunes changed after winning the Copa América in 2021: Argentina retained the trophy in 2021 and secured the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 38-year-old, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, has not officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup. However, if he maintains his current form, he is likely to represent Argentina. Messi and Ronaldo have only met twice on the international stage, both being friendly matches in 2011 and 2014.

Interestingly, Portugal and Argentina have never faced each other in an official tournament. There is growing intrigue surrounding the scenarios in which Messi and Ronaldo could clash for the last time in the 2026 World Cup.

1st Scenario: Argentina and Portugal are placed in Groups J and K, respectively. Messi's Argentina will compete against Australia, Algeria, and Jordan, while Ronaldo's Portugal will face Colombia, Uzbekistan, and one playoff qualifier. If both teams top their groups, they could meet in the quarterfinals.

2nd Scenario: Should both teams finish second in their groups, they would face off in the Round of 16 in Dallas on July 6. This, however, requires both teams to first win their matches in the Round of 32.

3rd Scenario: The most anticipated possibility is a showdown between Messi and Ronaldo in the FIFA World Cup final. Argentina and Portugal are placed on opposite sides of the playoff bracket, making it possible for them to meet in the final on July 19 in New Jersey.

4th Scenario: If either Argentina or Portugal ends up in third place in their group, there remains a chance for a clash, although the subsequent stages would become more complicated. Should both teams finish third, they could meet in the Round of 32 in Atlanta.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup could provide football fans with the opportunity to witness one last historic battle between Messi and Ronaldo. Read “Zamin” on Telegram!