They have never met in a competitive match
We know they have met each other many times during their club career. However, despite their legendary status, Messi and Ronaldo have met only twice at international level, both in friendlies played in 2011 and 2014. Argentina and Portugal have never faced each other in a competitive international fixture, even during the era of these two great icons.
As the likely final World Cup of their careers approaches, fans are wondering whether fate will finally bring them together on the biggest stage.
Possible meeting scenarios
Quarterfinal clash (Most likely)
Argentina and Portugal have been drawn in Groups J and K. Argentina will take on Austria, Algeria and Jordan, while Portugal face Colombia, Uzbekistan and a qualifier from the playoff tournament, which could be Congo, Iraq, Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia or Suriname.
If both teams top their groups, which remains the most likely outcome, they would be positioned to meet in the quarterfinals, provided they advance through the earlier knockout rounds.
Early round of 16 encounter
If both finish second in their groups, they could meet as early as the Round of 16, assuming they win their round of 32 matches. Finishing second, however, makes those earlier fixtures far more challenging.
World Cup final showdown
A dream final between the two nations is still possible. If one side tops their group and the other finishes as runner up, they would fall into opposite brackets, keeping them apart until the last match of the tournament at New Jersey on July 19. The path becomes more difficult if either of them finishes second.
As the football world looks ahead to what could be an unforgettable tournament, the stage is set for a potential final chapter in one of sport’s greatest rivalries.