Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo enter the 2026 World Cup with legendary resumes with plenty of similarities and some big differences.

Former La Liga midfielder Derek Boateng reckons Lionel Messi edges out Cristiano Ronaldo in the greatest of all time debate, which has divided fans, former and current players, and experts.

Derek Boateng weighs in on the Ronaldo vs Messi debate, highlighting their contrasting styles and legendary careers that have shaped modern football history.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can face each other at the 2026 World Cup, and this is how originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After claiming the FIFA The Best and Ballon d’Or in 2025, Ousmane Dembélé has now joined an elite club with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Former Juventus star Claudio Marchisio has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo’s mentality, work ethic, and adaptability give him the edge over Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, historic rivals across glistening careers, will compete at their final World Cup —barring an almighty surprise come 2030. They both hold genuine ambitions of clinching the crown in North America.

Cristiano Ronaldo's partner Georgina Rodriguez congratulated Lionel Messi's wife on Inter Miami's MLS Cup win, as Messi led his team to a historic championship.