FIFA World Cup 2022: Can Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi conquer their final frontier?

A total of 1604 goals combined from two legends. Both have won at least one major international title. One won it before the other.  Now, in what could be the final World Cup for two individuals who transformed football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be aiming to conquer the only thing missing in their illustrious CV.
 
Portugal have tried but always stumbled at crucial intervals. Argentina, on the other hand, is still carrying the burden of not having won the World Cup for the last 36 years.  They came close in 2014, only to be denied by a dominant Germany team who were determined to script their own history in South America.
 
Both teams had similar paths in the 2018 World Cup. Portugal made it through by the skin of their teeth mainly thanks to Ronaldo in a tricky group. Argentina recovered from the loss to Croatia and the draw to Iceland. But, both were undone by inspired play from their opponents in the Round of 16
 
The World Cup is the final frontier for both Ronaldo and Messi. For all the club success that they have achieved, the World Cup win will cement their legacy in a grander way.
 
Factors in favour of Messi winning World Cup
 
Two things perhaps favour Messi and Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. One, Argentina is on an unbeaten streak of 36 matches. Second, Messi is playing with the core of the team that was still there in 2018. The experience of Angel di Maria, Paulo Dybala, Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Otamendi combined with the youth and power of Lautaro Martinez and Rodrigo De Paul make Argentina potent.
 
The winning streak has given this side plenty of confidence. In addition to the Copa America win earlier, Argentina head into this World Cup with less mental baggage as compared to 2018 when two consecutive Copa losses hurt them. Back then, Messi was also hamstrung by the lack of support in the mid-field.
 
The Argentina vs France encounter is a prime example. France’s midfield was younger and faster, while Argentina’s was slower and older. Now, things have not changed much in 2022. But, with some fresh legs in addition to the experience could benefit them in a big way. In addition, di Maria has been in decent form in 2022. With this support that Messi has in addition to Martinez and de Paul, Argentina can hope for something.
 
Can Ronaldo carry Portugal’s hopes?
 
Portugal, on the other hand, also is in the same boat as Argentina. Experience plus youth in most of their departments make them a potent threat for any team. But, the hopes rest on their talisman Ronaldo. Already distracted from the happenings in the Premier League, will he be in the right frame of mind heading into Qatar?
 
Already, age is catching up with Ronaldo. The playmaker seems to be struggling for pace and is not able to set-up opportunities to score, something which he did superbly in 2018. But, Portugal do have back-up for Ronaldo. Bruno Fernandes and Bernado Silva have been in top form for Manchester United and Manchester City respectively.
 
Ruben Neves can fill the void for Portugal in case Ronaldo fails. When it comes to defence, Ruben Dias can do an admirable job with Joao Cancelo. Most of Portugal’s star players are playing for Manchester City and with the club doing so well, Portugal can at least feed on that success.
 
Will a title be possible?
However, Portugal are in a tough group as compared to Argentina. If both teams make it to the next round, it is a lottery. It is a match-up between two very equal teams in all departments.
 
Looking at the form prior to the tournament, Argentina’s chances are bright. Portugal, on the other hand, have always given tough competition in major tournaments. The form prior to the World Cup gives Messi and Argentina some hope that they can end nearly four decades of pain. For Portugal, the task is herculean.