'Dream Match' Messi vs. Ronaldo: Possibility of First-Ever World Cup Clash Grows

*This content was translated by AI.

The 'eternal rivals' Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami) and Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al Nassr), who are effectively performing their last dance at the World Cup, are increasingly likely to face each other in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Portugal crushed Uzbekistan 5-0 in their Group K second match of the tournament, held at Houston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). Ronaldo scored a brace, setting a new record as the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup finals. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain) and Rafael Leão (AC Milan) also found the back of the net.

With this victory, Portugal accumulated 4 points (1 win, 1 draw), moving into first place in the group, ahead of Colombia (3 points), which has yet to play its second match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Even if Colombia defeats the Democratic Republic of the Congo to reclaim top spot, the two teams are scheduled to face each other on the 28th, meaning the winner of that match is highly likely to advance from Group K in first place.

The team that finishes first in Group K can face the team that finishes first in Group J in the Round of 16. Argentina, the team Messi belongs to, has already been confirmed as the Group J winner. Argentina decisively defeated Algeria 3-0 and Austria 2-0, securing early qualification for the Round of 32 in first place. Messi scored all five of his team's goals.

If Portugal advances from Group K in first place and both Argentina and Portugal reach the Round of 16 tournament, Messi and Ronaldo could face each other in the semi-finals (quarterfinals) of the tournament. This means a dream match between the two players, who have long been the top rivals, could take place on the stage of their final World Cup dance.

Coincidentally, Messi and Ronaldo have participated in six consecutive World Cup finals since the 2006 tournament in Germany, but have never faced each other on the World Cup stage. Given that this is very likely their last World Cup, attention has focused on whether they will meet in this tournament, and the possibility is by no means negligible. When asked about the possibility of a World Cup clash with Messi, Ronaldo expressed his expectation that it would be "the best match."

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*This content was translated by AI.