Cristiano Ronaldo Comments on Potential 2026 World Cup Clash with Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national team, addressed the prospect of facing Argentina, led by his longtime rival Lionel Messi, in the 2026 World Cup.

After a disappointing start against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ronaldo proved his form in the tournament by scoring twice in Portugal's dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

Ronaldo’s two goals came in response to Lionel Messi’s impressive performance in the World Cup, where Messi scored five goals in Argentina’s first two matches against Algeria and Austria.

Speaking to reporters following the match against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo said, "Facing Lionel Messi in the World Cup? It’s an illogical question... but okay... it would be great."

He added, "However, my focus was on the Uzbekistan match... we won, I scored a goal, and we will continue our journey together... I am happy."

If both Argentina and Portugal finish the group stage of the 2026 World Cup at the top of their groups and successfully advance through the round of 32 and round of 16, they will meet in the quarterfinals.

It is also noteworthy that Ronaldo has become Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 10 goals, surpassing Eusébio, the legendary figure of European Brazil in the 1960s, by one goal.