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June 19, 2026
Two opening nights have already sharpened the Ronaldo vs Messi debate at the 2026 World Cup. Messi’s hat-trick for Argentina made him look timeless, while Ronaldo’s frustrating start in Portugal’s draw with DR Congo reopened every old question. The rivalry’s last chapter is no longer a theory. It is playing out now...
For two decades, the debate has consumed football. Ronaldo or Messi. Goals or assists. Power or elegance. Five Ballons d'Or each. Trophies, records, and moments that have redefined what human beings are capable of on a football pitch. And now, at the 2026 World Cup in North America, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are here for one final time — and the opening round of group stage matches has already delivered a narrative that feels almost too perfect...
Cristiano Ronaldo - Should he start on the bench?
"Right now he is not useful!"
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) June 18, 2026
Should Cristiano Ronaldo be benched in Portugal's next game? 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/obVpNtuF9j
Lionel Messi opened his World Cup 2026 campaign in the most emphatic way imaginable — a stunning hat-trick as Argentina dismantled Algeria 3-0 in Group J. At 38 years old, the reigning world champion arrived in North America not as a passenger, but as the tournament's most dangerous player in the opening 24 hours. His movement, his finishing, his ice-cold composure — all of it was there, exactly as it has always been.
Twenty-four hours later, Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup began very differently. Portugal, heavy favourites against DR Congo in Group K, were held to a 1-1 draw in Houston. João Neves put the Seleção ahead in just five minutes, but Yoane Wissa's header on the stroke of half-time drew the Leopards level. In the second half, Ronaldo had chances — he kicked the ball into his own leg from one poor pass, and moments later saw a shot trickle wide after a brilliant Bruno Fernandes ball cut the DR Congo defence open. Portugal finished the game with 80% possession and one point. Ronaldo, at 41, was swarmed and ineffective. The contrast with Messi could not have been more brutal.
The mathematics of legacy are straightforward. Messi won the World Cup in 2022. For him, 2026 is about adding a final chapter of grace — another deep run, another golden moment to close out the most decorated career in football history. He does not need this tournament. He simply wants it. Argentina, with the quality across their squad, are genuine contenders to go all the way again.
For Ronaldo, the stakes feel entirely different. This is his sixth World Cup — a recrd he shares with no other outfield player of his generation — and it remains the only major trophy that has eluded both him and Portugal throughout his career. Roberto Martínez's side still have Uzbekistan and Colombia to come in Group K, and the quality in that squad — João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, Pedro Neto — is more than enough to reach the knockouts. But in North America, with the clock ticking on his international career, Ronaldo knows that what happens in the next three weeks will define a significant part of how his story is ultimately told.
They will not meet on the pitch in 2026 unless Argentina and Portugal somehow converge in the knockout rounds — a scenario that is possible but far from certain. And yet the rivalry will define every moment of this tournament regardless. Every Ronaldo goal will be weighed against Messi's hat-trick. Every Portugal win will be measured against Argentina's progress. Fans who want to follow both campaigns closely — and maybe add an extra dimension to the experience — can check out this guide to get the Hollywoodbets welcome offer ahead of the remaining group stage fixtures.
The last chapter of the greatest rivalry in football history is being written right now, one match at a time, in stadiums across North America. After matchday one, Messi leads. But with Ronaldo, it has never been wise to write the final line too early.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Portugal is on June 23, against Uzbekistan, for the FIFA World Cup. You can watch Portugal vs Uzbekistan, Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mexico vs South Korea, USA vs Australia, Brazil vs Haiti and Canada vs Qatar, all matches provided from our live soccer game pages.
Portugal next game:
Portugal vs Uzbekistan kick-off time (23-06-2026):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 01:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 22:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+4: 21:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 19:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 18:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 14:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 13:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 10:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / espn.com / goal.com
