For almost two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have shared football’s biggest stages, from El Clásico nights to Champions League clashes and Ballon d’Or ceremonies. Yet somehow, the World Cup has never delivered one of the matchups many fans have always dreamed about: Argentina vs Portugal with both icons on the pitch.

And while they may no longer be in their prime, finally this could change in 2026.

The expanded 48-team World Cup format creates more possible crossover paths between the two nations, meaning Messi and Ronaldo may still get one final heavyweight showdown before the curtain closes on their legendary rivalry.

There are a few scenarios that could make it happen, including one Donald Trump is possibly dreaming of in his own backyard.

Scenarios for Messi vs Ronaldo World Cup 2026 edition

If Argentina and Portugal both win their groups they would land on a collision course for the quarterfinals. That scenario feels realistic considering both teams are top seeds and among the tournament favorites. Note, however, that there are still two game after the group stage before the last eight and this could be more challenging.

If both sides stumble equally and finish second in their groups, it could actually see the two meet even sooner, with a dramatic Round of 16 clash suddenly on the table. An early farewell for one of our protagonists.

Then there’s the host’s perfect game that would see the two all-time greats meeting in the World Cup final itself. The ultimate face-off. This could come about – I accept with a whole bunch of results falling into place along the way – if one team tops its group while the other finishes second.

Of course, the wildcard is the new third-place qualification system, which adds another layer of unpredictability to the bracket. One surprise result could completely reshape the path.

For now, the dream remains hypothetical. But for the first time ever, the World Cup bracket may finally give many what they’ve wanted for years.

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