Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed a potential showdown against Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup, stating that a knockout-stage clash between Portugal and Argentina “would be awesome” if it happens.
The Portuguese star’s remarks came after he scored a brace against Uzbekistan, leading Portugal to a resounding 5-0 victory over the Asian side.
Responding to Media Criticism
The Portugal national team had faced harsh criticism from local media following their opening draw against Congo DR, with many questioning Ronaldo’s place in the starting eleven.
Addressing the backlash, Ronaldo said:
“It was a very tough and difficult week, with public opinion being very harsh on all the players, especially on me and the coach.”
He continued: “But I don’t mind; I’ve been in this profession for 23 years now, and whenever things go well, they say ‘Cristiano is great,’ but when they go badly, they say ‘Cristiano is retired, he’s too old.’ It will always be like that, but we responded well today.”
When asked about the possibility of facing Messi, he replied: “The question doesn’t make much sense to me, but well, it would be awesome if it happened.”
However, Ronaldo shut down another question regarding Messi and the intense race for the tournament’s Golden Boot—which also features Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland—snapping at the reporter: “Next question.”
Potential Quarter-Final Showdown
If Portugal secures the top spot in their group and Argentina qualifies as group winners as well, both teams will end up on the same side of the bracket, setting up a potential blockbuster path to cross paths in the quarter-finals.
