A big question heading into the 2026 World Cup is whether we’ll see soccer legends Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi go head-to-head — and how exactly they could.
The two will once again lead Portugal and Argentina, respectively, on the international stage in their last World Cup go-around. To this point, the two have never played against each other in the World Cup.
However, because Portugal is in Group K and Argentina is in Group J, a clash between them depends on the knockout bracket — and relies on both teams advancing to the Knockout Stage.
Below, we list the ways in which we could see Ronaldo vs. Messi in the World Cup. That includes explaining their groups, chance to advance, and scenarios for us to see them matchup.
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3 That Ronaldo vs. Messi Could Play in the 2026 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are both making their sixth World Cup appearance — and it’s almost guaranteed to be their last. To this point, in the previous five World Cups, the players have never played against each other.
The two legends could face off in the 2026 World Cup three main ways, depending on how Portugal and Argentina qualify out of their respective groups.
1. Ronaldo vs. Messi in the Quarterfinals?
This is the simplest way — and seen as the most likely way — the two could face off in the 2026 World Cup.
If both Argentina and Portugal win their groups, they would still have to advance through their first two knockout stage games. Then, the two teams would meet in the Quarterfinals at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, July 11.
The cheapest ticket on SeatGeek is currently $1.625 for the potential matchup.
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2. Ronaldo vs. Messi in the Round of 16?
This is the earliest the two sides could meet in the 2026 World Cup, but it requires a specific outcome.
If both Portugal and Argentina finish as runners-up in the group stage, then win in the Round of 32, Ronald and Messi would meet in the Round of 16. That game would be set for Monday, July 6, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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3. Ronaldo vs. Messi in the World Cup Final?
If either team wins its group and the other finishes second, they will land on opposite sides of the knockout bracket. That would mean they would only meet in a World Cup Final clash.
There are additional scenarios where one of two teams finished third, but it opens up a world of possibilities that are both difficult to track and unlikely as we enter the World Cup. So, for now, we’ll leave it with these three scenarios.
Argentina to Win Group J, Advance at the 2026 World Cup?
Below are the payouts for Argentina to win Group J or advance to the Knockout Stage via PrizePicks Team Picks. Messi’s side is a favorite to win their group.
All payouts listed are at the time of writing and are subject to change. Payouts listed below (like 2x) indicate real-money earnings if a prediction is correct; for example, a 2x on a $100 entry would pay out $200 on PrizePicks Team Picks.
Payout to win Group J: Yes 1.33x | No 3.03x
Payout to advance to Knockout Stage: No 14.28x
What does one make of the 2022 World Cup champions? Yes, Lionel Messi (7 goals in 2022), Julian Alvarez, and company won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
Despite a small injury scare, Lionel Messi will be ready to play in the World Cup. So, they will be together again.
Argentina has a 76.3% implied chance of winning its group and almost 93% chance of advancing, according to the implied probabilities from PrizePicks.
Jordan expects to cause few problems for any team in the group, but Austria and Algeria can present some resistance.
Austria — FIFA rank No. 24 — figures to be the biggest obstacle, with the second-best implied chance of winning Group J.
Argentina ranks third in FIFA and is a contender to win the World Cup. A repeat has not been pulled off since 1962 — but there’s a long way to go until then.
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Portugal to Win Group K, Advance at the 2026 World Cup
Below are the payouts for Portugal to win Group J or advance to the Knockout Stage, via PrizePicks Team Picks. Ronaldo’s side is a favorite to win their group.
Payouts to win Group K: Yes 1.44x | No 2.56x
Payouts to advance: Yes 1.03x | No 10x
Portugal, which ranks fifth in FIFA rankings, is the reigning UEFA Nations League champion, and now they have drawn a fairly kind group. Group K features DR of Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. Only one nation has World Cup experience in the previous 32-team field — that’s Colombia.
First-time participants can be tough, but Ronaldo and Portugal are solid favorites to push through (69.4% implied). Colombia can be dangerous, sitting at 13th in FIFA rankings. Unfortunately, losing 2-1 to Croatia and 3-1 to France signaled more red flags for the South American side
Portugal’s main problem is its somewhat conservative nature. A 2-0 win over USMNT in March showcased their transition game and potential for the World Cup. Portugal can play up or down to its competition. Knowing this is Ronaldo’s last World Cup should be motivation enough.
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Ronaldo isn’t as fast as he used to be, and neither is Messi. The difference between the two is that Messi got to the mountaintop in 2022, and Ronaldo has not yet. Both are still dangerous in the box, and a matchup in their final World Cup would be a spectacle to behold.
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Stick around with the Playbook for more World Cup predictions, picks, and analysis throughout the tournament.
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