How Ronaldo, Messi can face off in final

With some world-class superstars in the squad, Argentina and Portugal are two of the favourites for Qatar World Cup 2022. If some outcomes play out as expected, both teams may even face off in the final, report agencies.

Ronaldo and Messi will also be in action in the firstweek itself, as all eyes will be on the dynamic duo during the World Cup.

At 37 and 35 respectively, this will realistically be the last chance saloon for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the coveted World Cup trophy. While the two superstars of world football have won all in their respective glittering careers, a World Cup title would maybe end the debate if any of them goes on to win the big prize later in December.

Also, there is a high chance of Messi and Ronaldo meeting each other in the final of the World Cup. Since Argentina and Portugal are in separate groups, they can not meet each other in the group stage, but a meeting could be on the cards in the final or the knockout rounds before that, given certain permutations and combinations.

If Argentina and Portugal win their respective groups, they can indeed reach the final. Messi and Co need to win Group C, while Portugal need to win Group H.

Here's how both Argentina and Portugal can play the Qatar World Cup 2022 final at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on December 18.

Argentina and Portugal's route to final

Lionel Messi's Argentina will play in Group C. The opponents they will face in the group stage are Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland. The Argentine side is way stronger than their group phase counterparts. They expected to win all three matches in their group and finish at the top of the points standings.

If Argentina win their group, they will face the winner of Group D, which will most likely be either Denmark or France. The Albiceleste could well face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and Brazil in the semifinals, given the early predictions. If Argentina overcome all obstacles in the knockout rounds, they will face Portugal in the final.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will play in Group H, which is considered the death group by many experts. They will take on Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea in this group to earn a place in the Round of 16. Portugal will have to top their group to meet Argentina in the final.