While world football’s elite might all be desperate to write their own pieces of history this winter, it will be two global icons who steal many of the headlines in Qatar.
With many believing that this will be both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance at a World Cup finals, it is also the final chance for them to put the cherry on top of their historic careers.
With Qatar set to open the World Cup’s first festive tournament when they meet Ecuador on November 20th, we are set for what looks like a month of international bliss from the Middle East.
As both Argentina and Portugal have their sights set on mounting a real title charge this year, there is no doubt that both Messi and Ronaldo will have plenty of expectations on their shoulders.
In a showdown between two modern-day icons, we have taken a glance at how Messi and Ronaldo fair heading into this year’s World Cup.
Is this finally Messi’s time?
While there might have been plenty of speculation over recent weeks that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner could be set for a shock MLS switch, Messi finds himself enjoying yet another trademark purple patch.
Once again finding the net as Argentina signed off their pre-World Cup adventure with a 5-0 romp against the UAE earlier in the week, the PSG superstar still appears to be at the top of his game.
Continuing to spearhead an Argentina squad that are in the midst of a remarkable 36-match unbeaten run across all competitions, neutrals across the globe are hoping that Messi can finally lift the Jules Rimet trophy for the first time.
With Lionel Scaloni’s side opening this year’s tournament priced at 28/5 with Unibet to claim a first world crown since 1986, there is no doubt that their attacking icon will have a huge role to play.
Finding his feet in Paris and already mustering 22 goals for club and country since opening the 2022/23 campaign, the 35-year-old has also enjoyed a remarkable free-scoring run for La Albiceleste this year.
In fact, including all five goals in a 5-0 friendly victory against Estonia back in June, Messi has bagged 10 strikes in just Argentina’s last five appearances.
Will Ronaldo be able to put off-field issues to one side?
While Messi might open the World Cup’s first winter tournament enjoying what has been an eye-catching flurry this season, Ronaldo finds himself under the spotlight for different reasons.
Although many around Old Trafford might have been excited to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner make his Premier League return last year, the 37-year-old is now at the heart of a Manchester United nightmare.
Releasing a jaw-dropping interview earlier in the week where he publically criticized both the club and Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo almost finds himself in the wilderness and a second move away from Old Trafford seems inevitable.
Receiving what was a frosty welcome on his arrival at Portugal’s World Cup camp this week, Ronaldo must find a way to put all of the off-field noise to one side in Qatar.
With the former European champions priced as high as 18/1 with 888sport to claim a maiden world crown this year, the ex-Real Madrid superstar will know that he has a huge amount of focus on him.
Mustering just a single Premier League strike so far this season and failing to gain any kind of fluidity before Portugal open their World Cup adventure on November 24th, Ronaldo appears to also be auditioning for a new club for the January transfer market.
