When Will Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi Meet at the World Cup? Portugal & Argentina's Knockout Paths Explained

Photo by Pat Elmont and Karl Bridgeman - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

When Will Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi Meet at the World Cup? Portugal & Argentina's Knockout Paths Explained

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jun 27, 2026 10:00 PM ET

The group stage of the 2026 World Cup concludes tonight, with the final two group stages involving Group J: Jordan vs Argentina and Austria vs Algeria.

Most teams already know their paths to the World Cup final, and it is now confirmed that Portugal and Argentina will be playing in the knockout stage.

This comes after Portugal drew 0-0 with Colombia, and the Portuguese side finished second in Group K. Many football fans paid attention to this result, as many fans want to see Portugal vs Argentina in the knockout stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and players of Portugal are seen before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Colombia and Portugal at Miami Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Many fans demand a Portugal vs. Argentina matchup as fans want to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi face off one more time.

Unfortunately, Portugal finishing second and Argentina finishing first in their respective groups means the two teams cannot face off in the quarterfinals, which was what many fans expected to happen.

If Portugal had beaten Colombia, then Portugal would have been a potential opponent for Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Portugal and Argentina are on opposite sides of the knockout stage bracket, and the only way Ronaldo and Messi can play each other again is in the World Cup Final on July 19.

In the round of 32, Portugal will play Croatia, and Argentina will play Cabo Verde.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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