For Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two greatest exponents of world football in recent years, adding the World Cup trophy to their record would be the perfect conclusion to a career full of achievements, a feat they can no longer aspire to Qatar 2022.
Aged 35 and 37 respectively, there will most likely not be enough time for the Argentines and Portuguese to seize another chance to become champions if they fail to succeed in this edition. Thankfully, the dream is still alive for both of them after securing a spot in the quarter-finals of the competition, although each has contributed at different levels.
In the case of ‘Lio’, his role in defeating Australia was fundamental as the goal served to open a game that was becoming difficult for the Albiceleste due to the physical demands of their rivals. However, when the score was 1-0, the dominance of the stagger was total as the scare that took place in the final minutes was more due to their own mistakes.
Instead, CR7’s situation was very different. Banished to the substitutes’ bench by his coach, the “Bug” had to watch his team confidently defeat Switzerland. A total of 6 goals were scored for the Portuguese, none of which bore the signature of the historic goalscorer, who came on with just 15 minutes to go.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in Qatar 2022
| protocol | PJ | Gates | helps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 360 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 251 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Considering the stats from the group stage, Messi comes off much better than Cristiano: he played every minute, as well as 3 goals and one assist. In contrast, the “Bug” collects almost 100 minutes less and hardly has a goal.
But while the numbers are an important indicator, perhaps the biggest difference lies in the weight both carry in their teams’ games. While today Argentina is unimaginable without its star, Portugal have just shown that they can do just fine without Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could be in the World Cup final in Qatar 2022 Photo composition by Jazmin Ceras/GLR
The “revelation” of young forward Goncalo Ramos, author of Qatar’s first hat-trick of 2022 at the age of 21, is one of the tournament’s most pleasant surprises so far. The Benfica forward has more than fulfilled his task of replacing CR7.
For the “flea”, on the other hand, there doesn’t seem to be a suitable replacement. Pulo Dybala could be the first replacement option for ’10’ but the zero minutes ‘Jewel’ have played makes that possibility look very unlikely.
What awaits Messi and Cristiano in Qatar 2022?
To reach the semi-finals, Messi and company must defeat the Netherlands, while Cristiano, whose possession is not guaranteed, must rely on the rising level of his compatriots to eliminate Morocco. If they qualify, an eventual final between the two stars would draw closer.