Two of soccer’s greatest stars, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, are starting what is expected to be their final FIFA World Cup appearances this week, with both Argentina and Portugal facing group-stage openers. Messi, 38, leads Argentina against Algeria on Tuesday (June 16), while Ronaldo, 41, captains Portugal as they play Congo on Wednesday (June 17). Both players are set to make history as the first to participate in six World Cups, and fans around the world are watching to see if these legends will meet on soccer’s biggest stage one last time.

According to ESPN, the tournament’s expanded format and bracket design create multiple opportunities for a Messi vs. Ronaldo showdown. If both teams win their respective groups—Argentina in Group J, Portugal in Group K—they could face off in a blockbuster quarterfinal match. If they finish second, the two could meet as early as the Round of 16, provided both win their opening knockout games. There is even a chance for a dream final in New Jersey on July 19 if one tops its group and the other comes second, though this is less likely.

Both legends have dominated the sport for nearly two decades but have never faced each other in a competitive national team match. Their only international meetings were friendlies in 2011 and 2014, each securing a win and a goal. Argentina and Portugal have not played an official match against each other in 20 years, making this tournament the last window for fans to witness a long-awaited duel.

Messi, who brought Argentina World Cup glory in 2022 and holds the record for most World Cup matches and minutes, is aiming to surpass Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goal record. Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, is seeking the one major trophy missing from his collection, but has yet to score or assist in a World Cup knockout match. Both teams are favorites to advance from their groups, and their paths to a potential matchup are clearly mapped out.

The 2026 World Cup is being played across stadiums in North America, with possible Messi-Ronaldo clashes in cities like Dallas, Kansas City, or even the final in New Jersey. This tournament marks the likely swan song for two icons whose careers have shaped the modern era of soccer.

Looking ahead, if both Argentina and Portugal perform as expected, fans could see history made with a dramatic last meeting between Messi and Ronaldo in the knockout rounds or possibly the final. Their performances in the opening group matches will be crucial in determining if this historic clash takes place.

You can follow the Ronaldo and Messi on their journey and listen to Fox's coverage of all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 games LIVE and for FREE via iHeartRadio’s digital app and more than 100 broadcast stations nationwide! You can also get the latest news and updates with iHeartRadio's lineup of soccer-focused podcasts, including Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos and The Away End with Daniel Alarcón and John Green.

Jeffrey T. Mason