Messi and Ronaldo poised for World Cup showdown in Kansas City

Lionel Messi led Argentina to top their Group Austria with a 2‑0 win over Austria, securing the group’s first place at the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo responded with a double‑goal performance in Portugal’s 5‑0 victory over Uzbekistan, but Portugal still trails Colombia and must win the head‑to‑head match to claim the group’s top spot.

If both teams advance, a highly anticipated Messi‑Ronaldo clash could take place in the quarter‑finals on 12 July at 03:00 MESZ in Kansas City, USA. The matchup would pit the eight‑time and five‑time Ballon d’Or winners against each other for the first time in a World Cup knockout stage.