Cristiano Ronaldo Vs Lionel Messi At FIFA World Cup 2026? Here's How Portugal Could Face Argentina

Last Updated:December 07, 2025, 13:21 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could meet at the next year's FIFA World Cup. Here's how

One Last Dance? Ronaldo (left) and Messi could lock horns at the World Cup. (AP Photo)

Cristiano Ronaldo Vs Lionel Messi at FIFA World Cup 2026: The prospect of two of the greatest footballers in history crossing paths again is mouth-watering. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are past their primes and have bid goodbye to European club football after years of domination as they cemented their respective legacies. These two have come face-to-face on several occasions and delivered breathtaking performances. However, since they now ply their trades in club football in different continents, the chance of the two again coming face-to-face on the field are slim to none. However, come next summer when USA, Canada, and Mexico co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, if things fall in place, there’s a potential of a fresh and possibly the final chapter being added to their storied rivalry.

However, Messi hasn’t confirmed that he will indeed be part of Argentina’s title defence but is hopeful of making the trip as a squad member. Should the Argentine be included, here’s how he could meet his famous rival for one last dance at the FIFA World Cup.

Argentina have been placed in Group J of the World Cup alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. The three-time champions start their campaign against Algeria on June 17 before facing Austria (June 22) and then Jordan (June 28).

On the other hand, Portugal will be in Group K with Uzbekistan, Colombia, and FIFA Intercontinental Playoff winner 1. They will begin their campaign against the playoff winner on June 17 before running into Uzbekistan (June 23) and Colombia (28).

Argentina and Portugal could lock horns in the World Cup quarter-finals but for that, they have to win their groups and then their last-32 and last-16 matches as well.

Should these conditions be fulfilled, Portugal’s Ronaldo could be seen lining up against Messi’s Argentina on July 11 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The tournament will get underway from June 11 with the final scheduled for July 19. This will be the biggest ever World Cup in history with the number of participating teams increased to 48.

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