A potential clash with Messi at the FIFA World Cup would be amazing: Cristiano Ronaldo

 

A potential clash with Messi at the FIFA World Cup would be amazing: Cristiano Ronaldo

 

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has said it would be a 'fantastic' thing if he faced Lionel Messi's Argentina in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo, who scored twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan on Tuesday, told reporters after the match that his top priority was the team's success and reaching the next round, according to US broadcaster ESPN.

When asked about the possibility of Lionel Messi's team, he said, "I don't know how to answer that question, but it would be great."

Regarding the match played earlier, he said, "The most important thing today was to win, to reach the next stage and to be ready for the challenges that will come. Our main objective was to get through the group stage and we achieved that."

By scoring twice against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo became the first player in the history of the Men's World Cup to score in six different World Cup competitions.

The Portugal team was under criticism after a draw against Congo DR in their opening group match, and questions were also being raised in the local media about Ronaldo's inclusion in the starting lineup.

In this regard, Ronaldo described the past week as "difficult".

"Public opinion was very harsh against all the players, especially me and coach Roberto Martinez, but I don't care."

"I've been playing professional football for 23 years. When things are good, they say Cristiano is playing well and when the results are not good, they say he is old."

He said the team responded well on the field and proved that they are capable of facing criticism.

Ronaldo avoided answering a question about the race for the Golden Boot between Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, saying that the most important thing for him is the team.

He also said that "the most important thing is the team and being united with it. We cannot control what comes from outside."

According to him, he knows that if he does not win, he will face criticism.

Portugal will play its final group match against Colombia at Miami Gardens on Saturday and will try to secure first place in its group.

Ronaldo and Messi are considered two of the greatest players in football history, but despite their long and record-breaking careers, the two have never faced each other in the knockout stages of a major international tournament.

If this happens in the 2026 World Cup, it could prove to be a memorable match for football fans.