The pair’s rivalry has dominated world football for the last two decades, but as they approach their respective retirements Messi has already confirmed that this will be his last World Cup, and hinted that he will step away from Argentina altogether at the end of 2022.
Ronaldo’s situation is less clear, with the recently departed Manchester United forward holding hopes of playing on beyond 40.
Fernando Santos’ success at Euro 2016 secured a first major title for Portugal but their World Cup record lags behind their European rivals, most recently losing in the quarterfinals in Qatar.
MORE: Here’s everything you ever needed to know about Cristiano Ronaldo
How many times has Portugal won the World Cup?
Portugal have never won the World Cup, despite boasting some incredible players over the years, including Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Eusebio.
A last-four spot in 2006 was a rare modern World Cup highlight for them, as Ronaldo has consistently been left frustrated on the biggest international stage.
Portugal World Cup history
Portugal’s talented stars have shone for their clubs, but there has been a history of underperformance on the international scene, and their attempt to send Ronaldo out on a high in 2022 failed.
Euro 2016 offered an initial springboard for a new generation of Portuguese superstars, including Manchester City trio Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo, and Qatar is an interesting testing ground for them.
*Did not enter
**Did not qualify
Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup record
Ronaldo joined the five World Cup tournament appearances club in Qatar, after making his competition debut for Portugal back in 2006.
His first taste of World Cup football proved to be his most successful to date, with Luis Felipe Scolari’s side edged out by Zinedine Zidane’s France in the last four.
Aside from that, Ronaldo has never gone beyond the quarterfinals with his national side.
Here’s how his previous World Cup stats breakdown:
Portugal 2022 World Cup schedule
Portugal kicked off their tournament in Qatar with a nervous 3-2 win over Ghana.
A crunch match against Uruguay was next up before Portugal rounded off group-stage action against South Korea.
Switzerland were beaten 6-1 in the Round of 16, but Portugal were then shocked by Morocco, who defeated them 1-0 and continued their fairytale run deep into the tournament.
