Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. That is the football civil war of the ages that has divided supporters over the last 17 years. People are always happy to share their opinion on who is better or who they prefer to watch, but there are some who take it too far and have let their lives be consumed by it.
With both Portugal and Argentina both headed to this winter’s World Cup in Qatar, many of the debate obsessors are wondering if either one of these footballing legends can crown themselves as the greatest player of all time by lifting the World Cup trophy. Both teams look impressive ahead of the tournament and both arrive with relatively recent experience of winning an international title. Portugal won Euro 2016 while Argentina won the 2021 Copa America.
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Many people are now asking themselves whether it is possible that we could be treated to what could be one of football’s greatest spectacles - these two icons going head-to-head in the World Cup final.
Such a match would be era-defining for either player and would, in essence, settle the debate once and for all. With both players in their mid-to-late 30s, this year’s tournament is basically now or never for them to collect football’s most prestigious prize.
Here is how we could get a Portugal v Argentina final
The clearest route for both to meet in the showpiece depends on both sides winning their respective groups.
Portugal will take to the World Cup having been drawn in Group H, alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
If Ronaldo’s nation wins the group, which they are favourites to do, they will then play the runners-up in Group G. This would be either Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland or Cameroon.
Should they win that last-16 match, they will then set up a quarter-final that could put them up against Belgium, Germany or Spain.
Overcome that hurdle, and England or France could well await in the semi-finals, with Argentina and Messi potentially to follow in the showpiece event.
If maestro Messi can inspire Argentina to win Group C, they would expect to face Denmark, but it could also be France, Tunisia or Australia. The Netherlands look the most likely opponent in the quarter-finals, with Spain or arch-rivals Brazil likely awaiting them in the semi-finals.
The only other way that they could both meet in the final is if they both finish runners-up in their groups but their pathways would be more difficult. For Portugal, they would likely face France, before potentially meeting England and then Belgium. Whereas Argentina would likely face their arch-nemesis Brazil, then Spain followed by the Netherlands.
Not only would a potential final hold such footballing, cultural and historical significance, but it would also mark the first time that both these superstars and nations will have ever met on this stage. Here’s hoping that we get the match of a generation.
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