Argentina, led by 38 year old Messi, opens group play against Algeria on Tuesday. Portugal, with 41 year old Ronaldo, follows against Congo on Wednesday. There are no guarantees for either side, but if both countries advance to the knockout stage, there could be one last match between the longtime rivals.
Ronaldo is also pursuing his first World Cup title in what he has said will be his final tournament appearance. He said last November that lifting the trophy is not his dream and that winning or losing one competition should not define a career built over many years.
If you ask me, 'Cristiano is it a dream to win the World Cup?' No, it's not a dream. Define what? To define if I'm one of the best in history, to win one competition, [of] six games, seven games. You think it's fair?
Recent years have brought fewer direct clashes between the two, with Messi at Inter Miami and Ronaldo at Al Nassr since 2023. That gap has added extra weight to this World Cup window, as a deep run from both nations may represent the last chance for fans to see them share a competitive stage.
