The possibility of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo facing each other in a World Cup match for the first time in their careers is seen as one of the biggest highlights of the 2026 tournament. However, this legendary meeting can only take place in the final.
Argentina finished the group stage top with three wins and were drawn against Cape Verde in the round of 32. Portugal, having finished second in their group, will face Croatia in the same round. According to the tournament fixture, the two teams are in different brackets, so there is no chance of meeting in the quarterfinal or semifinal; the only possible meeting point is the final.
Messi breaking records
Messi made an impressive start to the tournament, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, two goals against Austria, and a free kick against Jordan. The Argentine star scored a total of 6 goals in the group stage, becoming the player with the most appearances in World Cup history, surpassing Miroslav Klose's goal record, and setting a new benchmark in total goal contributions.
Historic achievement from Ronaldo
Ronaldo, with two goals against Uzbekistan, earned the title of the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. The Portuguese superstar holds the records for most goals scored for the national team and most international caps. With his current form, he aims to extend that lead.
The two players have faced each other 35 times at club level, most of those matches in the Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry. While Messi leads in wins, the number of goals scored is equal.
Given that Messi is 38 and Ronaldo is 41, the 2026 World Cup could be the final chapter of one of the greatest rivalries in football history. If both teams reach the final, fans will have the chance to see these two legends face off in an official World Cup match for the first time.
