Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Who is favourite for the 2026 World Cup?

Both players continue to show that age can’t be a limiting factor to their performances.

The most famous rivalry in football this century has unquestionably been led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Both players are still leaving their mark in football and making contributions to the fans’ heated discussion, which has been going on for more than 15 years.

The Argentine star’s club football season has officially ended for the year. Lionel Messi’s squad suffered an unexpected defeat in the MLS Cup playoff fight after an incredible regular season in which they won the MLS Supporters’ Shield with record points.

La Pulga scored a header, but it was insufficient to stop their early elimination from the Round of 16. After wasting their lead against Atlanta United, David Beckham’s team lost 2-1 in the tri-series and were eliminated from the postseason games.

Due to a ligament injury he suffered in the 2024 Copa América final, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner missed a large chunk of the season. Nevertheless, in his 25 games for Inter Miami in 2024, the Argentine number ’10’ has amassed impressive stats, including 23 goals and 13 assists.

No time to stop 👊 pic.twitter.com/iJ8hMQXnPC

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) November 15, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo’s side are almost halfway through their season because, unlike the MLS, the Saudi league runs concurrently with LaLiga and other European leagues.

However, Al-Nassr have already suffered an early setback in the new season after Ronaldo’s side were eliminated from the Saudi King’s Cup following their 1-0 defeat against Al-Taawoun.

Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to equalize from the penalty spot in the final minute, but the Portuguese’s attempt missed the mark, and his team found this elimination very bitter.

Without question, both the Portuguese and the Argentine have their sights set on the forthcoming World Cup (2026) and neither player has ruled out playing. But it looks like this upcoming competition might be the final time we see these two football greats play.

In case that wasn’t alluring enough, both athletes have a good chance of winning the title. Messi’s ambition came true with Argentina in Qatar in 2022, and now the defending champions will travel to the US, Canada, and Mexico – the host nations of the event in 2026.

Invictos a caminho dos quartos! 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/qBz58DCXew

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 15, 2024

With a brace and an assist against Poland in the UEFA Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a vital part of his national team coach Roberto Martínez’s plans and looks more at ease than ever.

Both Argentina and Portugal are outside the “top 5” favourites for the trophy, suggesting that the bookmakers do not share this sense of hope. The current world champions are ranked as the sixth most likely to win the title, with the Portuguese in seventh place, close behind them.

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