Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to face Lionel Messi's Argentina in quarter finals of FIFA World Cup 2026 as things stand

Argentina have never played against Portugal in a World Cup match.

Lionel Messi’s performance has been nearly flawless for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup so far. The Argentine superstar has scored five goals for his side in two games and is leading the chart for the highest goal scorer.

Messi has also accumulated the most goals by an individual in the tournament’s history, 16. He already held the record for most appearances in the competition, 28.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo has also started competing with his generational arch-rival on the global stage. Against Uzbekistan, the Portuguese superstar scored two goals in the first half. He scored his first goal after going goalless in ten consecutive tournament games.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also become the player to score the most goals for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup. Alongside that, Ronaldo has also become the youngest and the oldest goalscorer for Portugal. He joins Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Denmark’s Michael Laudrup in the list.

However, there is little chance of the two arch-rivals meeting on the global stage for one last battle of glory.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo: List of all assists in FIFA World Cup history

How can Lionel Messi’s Argentina face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup?

Portugal can face Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup if both teams win their respective groups. After winning their respective groups, both sides will also be required to win the knockout games, which is too much future anticipating for a sport like football, known for its unpredictability and uncertainty.

However, Roberto Martinez’s side might struggle to secure the top spot because Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening game and has two games in hand. On the other hand, Portugal drew against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

If Colombia wins both of their remaining games, they will end their group stage campaign as the table toppers. However, they currently have three points, and as things stand, in the last 32, Portugal might lock horns with Paraguay after finishing as the table-toppers.

Meanwhile, Argentina have already secured a spot in the knockout stage and are certain to top their group. As of now, they will face Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, who have drawn their last two games.

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