One speaks, the other listens. When a legend evokes its greatest rival, the world of football retains its breath. Especially when it comes to a last lap.
Lionel Messi will be 38 years old. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41. The 2026 World Cup in the United States still seems far away, and many are wondering about the ability of the two sacred monsters to be present for a last baroud honor. If the Argentinian shines in MLS, criticisms sometimes emerge on his involvement, some accusing him of “walking” on the ground. While the debate is raging, one of its most illustrious contemporaries took the floor to give a very clear opinion.
Ronaldo on Messi: “He's still there”
This voice is that of Ronaldo. Not the Brazilian, but well his eternal Portuguese rival, who very closely follows the performances of the Argentinian. Far from burying it, he wanted to twist the neck with rumors. “I watch his games … and he's still there”said legend. “Whenever he touches the ball, something interesting happens. If he loses the ball, he tries to recover it. It springs for 30 or 40 meters. »» A supported tribute that sounds like a warning: the reigning world champion should not be underestimated.
For the Portuguese, the presence of Messi in 2026 would even be a ” Huge advantage “ For a team from Argentina whom he deems very solid. He praised the work of Lionel Scaloni, who knew how to build ” A very intelligent team who also knows how to suffer. ” Between the lines, we understand that the Al-Nassr star sees Albiceleste as one of the big favorites, largely thanks to the presence of his number 10.
A record and a final challenge
These praise are not trivial. They look like an invitation, an appointment launched beyond the continents. Because if the two men manage to be present at the North American World Cup, they would both compete in a sixth World Cup. An absolute record, one more feat in already extraordinary careers. It would be the last chapter of their legendary rivalry, on the greatest possible scene.
This is where all the flavor of this potential confrontation resides. On the one hand, Lionel Messi, who would defend his supreme title. On the other, Cristiano Ronaldo, who would chase the only major trophy that lacks his immense list. And to spice up everything, an incredible statistical fact: never, in an official competition, Messi's Argentina and Ronaldo Portugal clashed. The 2026 World Cup could be the scene of this first, and probably last, explanation at the top.
