Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi made their World Cup debut in 2006, aged 21 and 18, respectively. However, at the time, no one would have imagined the two would develop into two of the fiercest rivals in world football. Sixteen years later, the duo’s battle is coming to an end.
It is expected that Ronaldo and Messi will make their final bow on the grandest football extravaganza. Furthermore, their future in European football is also drawing to a close. Messi is rumored to be angling for a move to Inter Miami, while Ronaldo’s future is still uncertain after ending his return to Old Trafford.
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2006 World Cup – Germany
Messi played 121 minutes, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He also created five chances and had two shots on goal.
On the other hand, Ronaldo played 484 minutes and scored 1 goal. He did not provide any assists but created eight chances and had 26 shots on goal.
2010 World Cup – South Africa
Messi played all five games at the 2010 World Cup (450 minutes). He did not score but provided one assist and created 16 chances. The Argentine also managed 29 shots during the tournament.
Ronaldo scored one goal in South Africa and provided one assist in the 360 minutes he played. He had 22 shots on goal and created seven chances.
2014 World Cup – Brazil
By 2014 the duo was now established, footballers. Messi played 693 minutes, scored four goals, and provided one assist. He created 23 chances and had 23 shots on target.
Ronaldo played 270 minutes, scored one goal, and provided one assist. He had 22 shots and created three chances.
2018 World Cup – Russia
In this World Cup, the two players played 360 minutes. Ronaldo scored four goals while he scored one. The Argentine registered two assists, had 18 shots and created ten chances. Ronaldo had no assist but created four chances and had 21 shots on goal.
2022 World Cup Qatar – The Final showdown
In an ideal situation, it would be every football fan’s dream if Argentine and Portugal were to meet in the final for the final showdown! Based on the current situation, the pair can meet in the semis if one of them wins their group and the other finishes second.
There is also a likelihood that the two great footballers could meet n the third-place playoff game. If this were to happen, it would be the most-watched third-place playoff match in history. Ronaldo has already made history by becoming the first player to score in five different tournaments.
How do you think the Messi vs. Ronaldo final showdown will unfold?
