Ronaldo says Messi matchup at World Cup would be ‘awesome’

Cristiano Ronaldo has described the prospect of facing his great rival Lionel Messi at the World Cup as “awesome”, with Portugal and Argentina potentially on a collision course.

Portugal are all but assured of a place in the last 32 after routing Uzbekistan 5-0 on Tuesday, with Ronaldo helping himself to a first-half brace. 

Ronaldo’s double made him Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup with 10 goals, ahead of Eusebio (nine), while he also became the second-oldest goalscorer in the tournament’s history, behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla in 1994 (aged 42).

Colombia are still top of Group K and have clinched their knockout berth after maintaining their perfect start with a 1-0 success against DR Congo. 

Portugal must beat Nestor Lorenzo’s side to overhaul them for top spot, with the Opta supercomputer assigning them a 49% chance compared to Colombia’s 51%.

If Ronaldo and company do manage to top the pile, they could be on course for a quarter-final date with Argentina, who have already won Group J following a five-goal haul from Lionel Messi across their first two games.

Ronaldo and Messi have never previously met at a World Cup, and with both playing at their sixth and likely final edition of the tournament. 

When that potential matchup was put to Ronaldo in the mixed zone, he said: “I don’t know how to answer that, but, well, it would be awesome.

“The most important thing was today, winning to advance, and being ready for what’s next. The main goal was to advance from the group stage, and we did it.”

Portugal are not yet mathematically assured of their round-of-32 spot, but with four points and a +5 goal difference, the chances of them not qualifying at least as one of the top third-placed finishers appear remote.

Ronaldo did snap at another question regarding Messi, though, replying “next question” when asked for his thoughts on the Argentine’s scoring exploits at the tournament, in addition to those of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

The 41-year-old had been heavily criticised after Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their opening game, but he insists everyone in the camp is united. 

“The most important thing is the team, being united with them,” Ronaldo said. 

“We can’t control the rest that comes from outside. We know that when we don’t win, we get attacked, especially me.”