Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Is The Dream Technically Possible in Qatar 2022?

Argentina are eyeing their world cup title for the third time while Portugal haven’t been able to reach the world cup finals yet. Their best performances came in 1966 and 2006, when they finished third and fourth respectively. The fans would be able to watch a Portugal vs Argentina final at the FIFA World Cup 2022 because that would mean a face-to-face competition between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. 

Cristiano Ronaldo dreams of facing the "magic" Lionel Messi in the World Cup final as two footballing greats head into the twilight of their careers. Having battled for centre stage against former Barcelona star Messi for numerous years, ex-Real Madrid forward Ronaldo admitted he would love to face his old foe in the World Cup showpiece on December 18.

"It's too good, too good of a dream," Ronaldo told Piers Morgan on TalkTV in his wide-ranging interview, in which he criticised Manchester United, senior figures at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick.

Portugal in Round of 16:

Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 in the Round of 16, with a hat-trick by 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos, and reached the quarter-finals. Cristiano Ronaldo did not start the game for his team and was sent only at the 73rd minute mark.

Argentina in Round of 16:

Argentina defeated Australia 2-1, with a goal from Lionel Messi, in the Round of 16 and reached the quarter-finals.

Portugal’s Opponents in Quarter-Finals:

Portugal will play Morocco in the quarter-finals. Morocco earlier defeated Spain 3-0 in a penalty shoot-out.

Argentina’s Opponents in Quarter-Finals?

Argentina will play the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. The Dutch earlier defeated the USA 3-1.

Netherlands Head Coach on Argentina:

The Netherlands head coach Louis Van Gaal has called Argentina captain Lionel Messi the most dangerous and creative player ahead of their quarter-final clash. The Dutch beat the USA 3-1, while Argentina edged Australia 2-1 in the round of 16 stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking ahead of their quarter-final tie, Van Gaal said Messi will be the most dangerous and creative player in their clash with Argentina.

“That's an intelligent question, honestly. Indeed, Messi is the most dangerous and creative player. He is able to create a lot, to prepare goals and even score. But at the other hand, when the opponent has possession of the ball, he does not participate much at the game, so that's where we will have opportunities,” said Van Gaal.

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Technically Possible?

A dream encounter between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is definitely possible. If the final is played between Argentina and Portugal, Fernando Santos would surely include CR7 in the starting line-up and not keep him in the bench to watch the latter’s archrival play for glory.

Portugal plays its next match - the quarterfinal - on December 10 (8:30PM IST) against Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium. Although Ronaldo fans will be desperately hoping the star striker gets to start, it looks unlikely especially after the kind of performance Ramos registered on Wednesday.