For nearly two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have defined an era of football, sharing the spotlight in some of the sport’s biggest competitions. Despite their long-running rivalry, the FIFA World Cup has never produced a match between Argentina and Portugal with both stars on the field.
That could change at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament’s expanded 48-team format has created new knockout-stage pathways that could finally set up a meeting between the two nations, potentially giving fans one last chance to watch Messi and Ronaldo face off on football’s biggest stage.
One of the most realistic scenarios would see Argentina and Portugal win their respective groups and advance through the opening knockout rounds. In that case, the two teams could meet in the quarterfinals.
A clash could also occur earlier in the tournament if both sides finish second in their groups, opening the possibility of a Round of 16 encounter.
There is even a pathway to a World Cup final between Argentina and Portugal, although that scenario would require a specific combination of results throughout the tournament.
The new format adds further uncertainty because some third-placed teams will also advance to the knockout stage, potentially altering the bracket and changing the route for both nations.
For now, an Argentina-Portugal showdown remains a possibility rather than a certainty. However, the 2026 World Cup may offer the best opportunity yet for a final chapter in the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo.
