‘Dream Match’ Between Messi and Ronaldo Unlikely Before Final in FIFA World Cup 2026

The anticipated showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 appears increasingly unlikely before the final match. After Portugal finished as runners-up in their group stage, the two teams have been placed in different groups. For Messi and Ronaldo to face each other, both teams must win four knockout stage games to meet only in the final.

Kathmandu – Many football fans were eager to see if Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would compete against each other in this edition of the World Cup. Participating for the sixth time in the North American tournament, Argentina led by Messi and Portugal with Ronaldo had fans excited to witness their encounter. Had both Argentina and Portugal topped their respective groups, a quarterfinal meeting between the two teams was possible.

This prospect made the potential clash highly anticipated and considered a ‘dream game’ by many supporters. However, Portugal’s recent draw against Colombia significantly reduced the chance of an immediate encounter between Argentina and Portugal. Argentina won Group J, while Portugal finished as runners-up in Group K, meaning they will advance from different groups. Consequently, Messi and Ronaldo can only face each other in the final if both teams win all four knockout matches leading up to it.