Patrice Evra, former Manchester United defender and current football analyst, has expressed that a World Cup final featuring Lionel Messi’s Argentina against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal would captivate the attention of the entire world. With both stars continuing their careers at Inter Miami and Al-Nassr respectively, the upcoming World Cup might mark their final appearance on football’s grandest stage, making such a confrontation especially significant.
Although Messi recently secured World Cup glory with Argentina in 2022, Ronaldo has yet to lead Portugal to the final of the tournament. The next World Cup, scheduled for next summer, could therefore provide a dramatic climax to their iconic rivalry, as both players prepare for what could be their concluding international campaign.
A Legendary Rivalry Poised for a Grand Finale
In a recent discussion with Stake.com, Evra compared the potential World Cup final between Messi and Ronaldo to the excitement of a blockbuster Marvel movie, emphasizing its global appeal. He stated,
“That would be like the last Marvel movie. Everyone would stop to watch.”
This highlights the immense anticipation surrounding a possible face-off between two of football’s greatest names.
Evra also expressed enthusiasm about the idea of Ronaldo joining Major League Soccer to play alongside Messi, envisioning a final chapter to their storied competition on American soil. He remarked,
“Of course! Two legends, one last dance, everyone would watch.”
Their presence in MLS would undoubtedly amplify the league’s profile and fuel fan interest worldwide.
Mutual Respect Amidst a Decade-Long Rivalry
Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry has been one of the most remarkable in sports history, defined not only by competition but also by mutual respect. Having competed primarily as opponents, especially during their years in Spain’s LaLiga, both athletes acknowledge how their rivalry drove them to perform at the highest level for so long.
In a May interview with France Football, Messi reflected on their long-standing battle on the pitch, recognizing the significance of their shared dominance. He commented,
“It’s always been a great battle, in sporting terms. I think we’ve fed off each other with this rivalry because we’re both great competitors. He too always wanted to win everything all the time. It was a golden era for us and for every football fan.”
He further added,
“We deserve a lot of credit for staying at the top for so long. Because, as they say, it’s easy to get there, what’s difficult is to stay there. We stayed at the top for 10-15 years, I don’t know. It was spectacular and remains a great memory for everyone.”
Historic Achievements That Define Their Legacy
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo is underscored by their record-breaking achievements, notably their joint possession of 13 Ballon d’Or awards — the highest number for any players. Messi has won eight of these prestigious honors, while Ronaldo has claimed the trophy five times, reflecting their sustained excellence over more than a decade.
The possibility of these two titans meeting in the World Cup final adds yet another compelling layer to their careers, as fans around the world eagerly await the next chapter in football history. Whether the event unfolds in the next tournament or remains a hopeful dream, the impact of Messi and Ronaldo on the sport remains unparalleled, inspiring millions and shaping modern football culture.