A World Cup final between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would be the biggest final in football history. Both players, who have dominated for two decades, are reaching the World Cup finals even though their careers should be over. A historic duel in the final would be bigger than the sport itself.
Ronaldo, 39, and Messi, 37, have defined an era with their club and national team performances. Ronaldo has led Portugal to European Championship gold in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019, while Messi has won the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa América. Both have been crucial in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, where they could now meet in a final that would overshadow everything else.
Their national teams have sent clear signals: Portugal by securing a strong group victory in the qualifiers with 7 wins from 8 games, and Argentina by dominating their group with 6 wins from 8 games and only one goal conceded. Such a final would not only be a sporting event, but a cultural and historical milestone. The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi has characterized football since the 2000s, with over 100 meetings in various tournaments.
A World Cup final between them would be an iconic end to an era that shaped generations of fans. Historically, World Cup finals have always been decisive in defining the legacy of individual players, but here it is about deciding two. If Messi wins his second World Cup title, he will be cemented as the only player with two World Cup golds in the modern era.
If Ronaldo, despite his age, lifts the trophy, it would be the most unlikely triumph in World Cup history since 1966. This final would also be a matter of tactics and coaching strategies. Both national teams have already started analyzing the opponent ahead of the tournament.
Portugal captain Roberto Martínez has stressed the importance of neutralizing Messi's creativity, while Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has focused on exploiting Ronaldo's age weaknesses in high-intensity moments. The match would likely be decided by details: a missed chance, a crucial save or a tactical surprise. Add to that the fact that both teams have unique players who can decide such a match – Portugal's Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes in attack, Argentina's Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández in midfield – making the game even more unpredictable.
The commercial aspect of such a final is at least as crucial as the sporting aspect. A World Cup final between Ronaldo and Messi would not only draw billions in television rights and sponsors, but also create a global marketing boom. Price tags are already being discussed for advertising space during the million-dollar final, and brands such as Nike, Adidas and Puma would be fighting to be associated with the historic moment.
FIFA's revenue from such a final could exceed that of previous World Cups, making the tournament a financial gold mine for the organizers. In addition, the final would set new standards for streaming and social media, with billions of viewers and interactions expected. "This is not just about football.
It's about writing history in the way that only these two can do," says football expert Johanna Frändén. She emphasizes that a final between Ronaldo and Messi would be bigger than the sport itself, an event that would define the 2026 World Cup regardless of the result. Fränden also points to the commercial aspect: such a final would generate billions in revenue from TV rights, sponsors and merchandise, making it an economic event as much as a sporting one.
What happens now? The WC 2026 will be decided in Qatar during the summer. Both teams, Argentina and Portugal, have already qualified and are preparing for the potential final.
If it comes off, it will be a meeting the football world will never forget. Before the tournament, intensive preparations are underway, and speculation about the outcome of the final is growing day by day. The players themselves have started to speak out about the possibility - Ronaldo has said he feels "ready for the biggest scenario", while Messi has called a potential final "a dream come true". Read at Dagens Nyheter Sport
Why this matters
A World Cup final between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is about more than just football. It's a question of the sport's history and heritage. The rivalry between these two icons has spanned two decades, and a final at the 2026 World Cup would be an iconic finish cementing their place in football's pantheon. It's an event that would define an entire generation and leave an indelible mark on the sport. At the same time, the economic and cultural impact would be unparalleled, with potential revenue extending beyond what any previous World Cup final has generated. This final would not only be about who wins, but about writing a new era in football history. In addition, it would set a new standard for how major sporting events can be exploited commercially, with effects extending far beyond football.
Frequently asked
Have Ronaldo and Messi ever met in a World Cup final before?
No. Ronaldo and Messi have never met in a World Cup final, despite both appearing in several finals during their careers.
Which national team do Ronaldo and Messi represent?
Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Portugal's national team, while Lionel Messi represents Argentina.
When will the WC 2026 be decided?
The WC 2026 will be decided in Qatar during the summer. The date of the tournament has not yet been determined, but it is planned to be held during June and July.
Have both players already qualified for the 2026 WC?
Yes. Both Portugal and Argentina have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and are preparing for the tournament.
What has Johanna Frändén said about a potential final?
Football expert Johanna Frändén believes that a final between Ronaldo and Messi would be bigger than the sport itself. She emphasizes that it's about writing history in a way that only these two can do.
How have the national teams of Portugal and Argentina performed in the qualifiers for the World Cup 2026?
Portugal secured a strong group victory in the qualifiers with 7 wins from 8 matches, while Argentina dominated their group with 6 wins from 8 matches and only one goal conceded. Both teams have shown stability and strength ahead of the tournament.
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