Argentina vs Portugal: Messi and Ronaldo’s Showdown
In a friendly match between Argentina and Estonia, Lionel Messi showcased his incredible skills by scoring all five goals, leading Argentina to a resounding 5-0 victory. On the other side of the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t far behind, as he scored twice to contribute to Portugal’s 4-0 triumph over Switzerland in the Nations League. With the highly anticipated World Cup in Qatar just months away, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating a showdown between these two football superstars.
Messi’s Season at Paris Saint-Germain
Despite not having a particularly fruitful season at the club level, Lionel Messi made his mark after joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August. Throughout the campaign, Messi managed to score 11 goals and provide 14 assists in 34 games for PSG. While the French Ligue 1 title was the only piece of silverware he lifted, it wasn’t without its challenges. Fans even resorted to booing Messi and his friend Neymar after PSG’s early exit in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Despite rumors of a potential comeback to Barcelona or a move to Inter Miami, Messi has clarified that he intends to stay at Parc des Princes until his current contract expires in the summer of 2023.
Ronaldo’s Numbers at Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, delivered more impressive numbers during his time at Manchester United. The Portuguese star scored 24 goals and provided three assists in 39 matches for the club. However, despite his individual success, United failed to achieve their objectives for the season, leaving Ronaldo considering a potential exit. However, with the appointment of Eric ten Hag as the new manager, Ronaldo was assured that he has a place in the team’s plans for the upcoming year.
International Success
Both Messi and Ronaldo continued to shine on the international stage despite the challenges they faced at the club level. The upcoming World Cup in Qatar will mark their fifth, and possibly final, appearance in the tournament. While Messi is expected to formally announce his retirement from the national team after Qatar, Ronaldo has expressed his dream of participating in a record-breaking sixth World Cup in 2026, even at the age of 41.
Argentine and Portuguese World Cup Prospects
Argentina, having been crowned Copa America winners in 2021, is part of Group C in the World Cup alongside Poland, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. The Argentine national team has showcased their prowess in the recent Finalissima match against Italy, where they secured a convincing 3-0 victory, with Messi being named the player of the match. Bookmakers currently have Argentina at -225 to win Group C, ahead of Poland at +350. Argentina stands at +400 to reach the final and +900 to win the tournament.
Portugal, on the other hand, leads the odds race in Group H, with Uruguay and South Korea as their main challengers. The African Black Stars, Ghana, are considered the outsider in the group. Portugal is at +500 to reach the final and +1200 to win the World Cup.
The Quest for the Golden Boot
Despite their recent outstanding performances, neither Messi nor Ronaldo are among the top favorites to win the Golden Boot at the World Cup, according to bookmakers. Ronaldo stands at +1000, placing him fifth on the list, while Messi closely follows with odds of +1100. Ahead of them are players like Harry Kane from England (+600), Romelu Lukaku from Belgium (+650), Kylian Mbappe from France (+800), and Neymar from Brazil (+850).
Will Messi and Ronaldo Shine in Qatar?
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Messi and Ronaldo will defy the odds and continue their remarkable individual performances at the 2022 World Cup. After a rivalry that has dominated the football world for over a decade, the prospect of a grand finale between these two legends is a tantalizing one. Fans around the globe eagerly await the World Cup, where Messi and Ronaldo will once again take center stage and showcase their extraordinary talents.
Conclusion
As we approach the much-anticipated World Cup in Qatar, the footballing world eagerly awaits the performances of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite facing challenges at the club level, both Messi and Ronaldo have continued to shine for their respective national teams. The prospect of a showdown between these two football superstars adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the legacies of Messi and Ronaldo will be forever engraved in the annals of football history.
Unique FAQs
1. Will Messi and Ronaldo face each other in the World Cup?
While it is unlikely for Messi and Ronaldo to face each other directly in the World Cup, their performances will undoubtedly be compared as their respective teams progress through the tournament.
2. How many World Cups have Messi and Ronaldo played in?
Messi and Ronaldo are set to play in their fifth World Cup each in Qatar. This is an impressive achievement and a testament to their longevity and consistency at the highest level.
3. Who is the top scorer in international football?
Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in international football with 117 goals. He continues to extend this lead with his remarkable performances for Portugal.
4. What are Argentina’s chances of winning the World Cup?
Argentina is considered one of the favorites to go far in the World Cup, given their recent success in the Copa America and the presence of players like Messi. However, football is unpredictable, and anything can happen in the tournament.
5. How many goals has Messi scored for Argentina?
Messi has scored 86 goals for Argentina, placing him fourth on the all-time top scorers’ list. He continues to add to his tally and has the opportunity to climb even higher during the World Cup.
