Why Portugals Draw Could…
June28June 28, 2026

Why Portugals Draw Could…

By In
ESPN Soccer News
Jun 27, 2026, 11:10 PM ET

The highly anticipated match poised to capture global attention was set: If Argentina and Portugal successfully topped their respective groups, a showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi awaited in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Across their illustrious careers, Messi and Ronaldo have faced off a remarkable 36 times in competitive matches. Messi boasts 16 victories, netting 22 goals, while Ronaldo has secured 11 wins, scoring 21 goals. Their last encounter was an exhibition match in January 2023, featuring Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain and a team of Saudi Pro League all-stars led by Ronaldo.

During the 2026 World Cup, the stage was set for these two legends to potentially clash for the final time on soccer’s grandest stage, and for two weeks, everything appeared ideal for that matchup.

Messi shone with five goals as Argentina sailed past both Algeria and Austria, securing their status as group leaders prior to their upcoming match against Jordan on Saturday.

However, Portugal’s prospects were dashed as they finished second in Group K after a 0-0 draw against Colombia, who took top honors in the group.

This result places Portugal in a different part of the knockout bracket, where they’ll face Croatia in the round of 32, followed by a possible matchup against Spain in the round of 16. In contrast, Argentina is set to face the underdog Cape Verde.

This also suggests that Ronaldo and Messi, who are currently based on different continents and may not participate in the next World Cup in 2030, might have had their last opportunity to face each other — unless both of their teams reach the final.

Iconic Showdowns

Messi and Ronaldo have produced some unforgettable moments on the pitch. Here are six of their most iconic encounters.

The 2009 final in Rome was marketed as a battle between the world’s best, and Messi emerged victorious. Barcelona dominated Manchester United to clinch a 2-0 victory, with Messi notably scoring a rare header to secure the treble of the league, domestic cup, and European Cup.

This game, seen as a proving ground for both Messi and Ronaldo, turned into a historic humiliation for Real Madrid and their coach, Jose Mourinho, as Messi assisted two goals without finding the net in a decisive 5-0 win for Barcelona.

Ronaldo finally outshined Messi as a Real player, scoring the only goal in a Copa del Rey victory over Barcelona, celebrated with a trademark header in the 103rd minute. However, this match was part of a series of significant clashes that concluded with Barcelona advancing to the Champions League final.

Ronaldo once again triumphed as he netted a decisive goal at Camp Nou, helping Real Madrid secure a critical league win during the 2011-12 season. His contribution put Real seven points ahead of Barcelona, ultimately leading them to the title.

Ronaldo continued to inflict Copa del Rey heartbreak on Barcelona, scoring twice in a brilliant performance that accounted for a 3-1 win at Camp Nou, ensuring Real’s passage to the final.

Messi once again stole the spotlight with a stunning 92nd-minute goal at the Bernabeu, which kept Barcelona’s title hopes alive. He had already found the net in the first half and solidified his legacy by reminding Real Madrid fans of his prowess during the celebration.

To encapsulate the enduring legacy of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry: during their nine-year standoff in Spain, not a single Clasico ended without a goal.

Undoubtedly, a spectacle worth every moment.

Information sourced from ESPN’s Chris Wright contributed to this article.