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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could face each other at the 2026 World Cup through various paths, from the Round of 16 all the way to the final.
Argentina sit in Group J alongside Austria, Algeria and Jordan, while Portugal compete in Group K with the DR Congo, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
The bracket arrangement creates multiple opportunities for the two teams to meet in the knockout stages. The most anticipated scenario is a dream final clash in New Jersey on July 19, which would come true if Argentina finish first in Group J and Portugal finish second in Group K, or vice versa, forcing them to go opposite sides of the bracket.
Another high possibility is a quarterfinal meeting in Kansas City. If both nations secure the top spots in their respective groups as expected, they will be placed in the same bracket and could clash provided they advance through their previous knockout matches.
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Lionel Messi (R) shakes hands with Cristiano Ronaldo before the friendly match between Argentina and Portugal at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, on Nov. 18, 2014. Photo by AFP |
Alternatively, Messi and Ronaldo could cross paths earlier in the Round of 16 in Arlington, Texas, on July 6, if both squads finish second in their groups and win their Round of 32 matches.
Finally, since the expanded 48-team format allows some third-placed teams to advance, there is also a remote chance they could meet in the Round of 16 if Portugal win their group and Argentina advance in third place. Theoretically, the two teams can also face off in the semifinals. However, these specific scenarios are highly unlikely to happen.
Regardless of the round, it would be a historic clash between two icons who have dominated football for over a decade. Both legends are preparing for their sixth, and almost certainly final, World Cup.
Despite both making their international debuts in 2006, Ronaldo and Messi have never faced each other in an official national team match. Their only international encounters occurred during two friendlies in 2011 and 2014. They split the victories, with each player scoring one goal.
Argentina and Portugal have not played a competitive official match against each other in 20 years, making this potential World Cup clash the last opportunity for fans to witness the long-awaited duel.
Of the two, Messi boasts a more decorated World Cup resume. He led Argentina to ultimate glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Now 38, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is widely expected to retire from the international stage after this World Cup.
Ronaldo, conversely, is driven by the ambition to capture the one major trophy missing from his cabinet. While he has guided Portugal to two major international titles, the Euros and the UEFA Nations League, he has never come close to the World Cup trophy.
Ronaldo's best tournament run came during his 2006 debut, when Portugal finished fourth. Since then, the nation has suffered a string of disappointments, facing elimination in the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2018, the group stage in 2014 and the quarter-finals in 2022.
In addition, Ronaldo has yet to record a goal or an assist in a World Cup knockout match. During the 2022 edition, he lost his starting position in the knockout rounds and could not help Portugal beat Morocco in the quarterfinals.
