Cristiano Ronaldo's two-word remark about a potential World Cup meeting with Lionel Messi has aged terribly, as Messi leads Argentina into their second consecutive semi-final while Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16.
The seemingly ageless Messi hauled Argentina into the World Cup's final four for the second tournament running after a 1-0 extra-time victory against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Messi's eight goals so far have powered this surge, and they will face Thomas Tuchel's England in a blockbuster semi-final in Atlanta.
Ronaldo's Portugal Exit
Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16, losing 1-0. The stars did not align to enable Ronaldo and Messi to meet at this tournament, which is likely the final World Cup for both aging icons. Ronaldo's comment about the pair maybe clashing in a final now ages like milk.
Under Roberto Martinez, Portugal suffered further knockout agony against Spain, with Ronaldo starting every game at World Cup 2026 but unable to guide them past the round of 16. He scored three goals in total in what was his sixth World Cup.
The Infamous 2022 Interview
Ronaldo's 2022 interview with Piers Morgan has become infamous. In it, he hit out at former club Manchester United, expressed his lack of respect for then-United boss Erik ten Hag, and tore into some club legends. His contract was terminated days later.
But he also touched on the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Morgan put to Ronaldo a hypothetical scenario: "So what about this idea? You get to the final, Portugal v Argentina. You score two, Messi scores two. Last minute, you score a third for your hat-trick. Is that the dream?"
Ronaldo grinned at the prospect of getting one over on his contemporary and needed just two words for his reply: "Too good." Alas, the chain of events will stay a dream.
World Cup 2022 Pain
Four years ago in the Middle East, Ronaldo endured an arduous tournament. Portugal reached the quarter-finals, but the Al-Nassr striker was dropped for a round-of-16 win against Switzerland. Manager Fernando Santos tactically fell out with Ronaldo, and their subsequent 1-0 defeat to Morocco preceded his departure from his position by mutual consent. The pain was made worse by Messi's Argentina lifting the title.
Messi Continues to Shine
Messi continues to rub salt into the wounds of Ronaldo, and his sights are set on another world crown. However, it will be England he must overcome in Atlanta to achieve this, with France or Spain waiting in the final.
