It would possibly be the biggest game in history. Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo on the biggest stage in world football, and it could realistically take place at the 2026 World Cup.

They are two of the main contenders to be declared the greatest footballer of all time, but bragging rights in a World Cup match would likely tip the scales in either man’s favour. We’ve seen them compete in Champions League finals and El Clasico, but never at a World Cup.

Messi’s Argentina and Ronaldo’s Portugal are among the favourites to go all the way and win the iconic trophy. But there’s now a strong chance they’ll meet each other on the way to the trophy. But a few things have to happen for this dream match to become a reality.

Messi vs Ronaldo Edges Closer to World Cup Reality

Images via Reuters

There are two scenarios which could see Argentina face Portugal, but both are dependent on the latter’s final group game. Ronaldo’s side can either win their group with victory against Colombia or finish second.

Should they top the group, we’ll be extremely close to seeing the showdown. If both teams progress past their Round of 32 and 16 opponents, they would then meet each other in the quarter-final stage. This fixture would take place at Kansas City Stadium on July 11.

Argentina have already won their group, meaning they know which side of the draw they will be on. However, a second-placed finish would put Portugal on the opposite side. That means they wouldn’t be able to meet until the final, should they both make it.

Now that would add even more to the already highly anticipated match. It’s less likely, as there are more rounds for both teams to progress through, but Messi battling for his second World Cup and Ronaldo attempting to win Portugal’s first would make for extraordinary viewing.

This year’s World Cup final takes place on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. The eyes of the world will be on that match, even more so if Messi and Ronaldo are there for one last dance. President Donald Trump would then hand the winner the trophy.

Ronaldo Ready For ‘Awesome’ Messi Clash

Phil Noble via Reuters

Ronaldo has been quizzed on his thoughts about a potential showdown with his long-term rival. The 41-year-old hasn’t been in the mood to field questions regarding his Argentina peer, but did say the prospect of meeting him at the World Cup was ‘awesome’.

He responded: “I don’t know how to answer that. But, well, it would be awesome.” But the Al-Nassr forward also snapped when asked another question about Messi after his team’s win against Uzbekistan.

Ronaldo added: “The most important thing was today, winning to advance, and being ready for what’s next … The main goal was to advance from the group stage, and we did it.”

WWE legend Triple H has discussed the future pool of talent currently catching his eye as he appeared on The Stephen A. Smith show to promote upcoming Premium Live Events.

The host asked him if wrestling follows a similar model he had previously discussed with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones when it comes to harnessing young talent for the future of their respective sports.

Triple H responded with agreement, stating that young wrestlers are important for the future of the brand. He went on to name four rising stars that he tips to be the next main event stars, even backing them to headline WrestleMania one day.

Triple H on Retiring Legends & WWE’s Future

Not only did he name-drop four current WWE Superstars as the future of the company, he also pointed out how many veterans are calling time on their illustrious careers right now.

With the likes of John Cena and AJ Styles both hanging up their boots in recent months, Triple H has spoken out about how having young talent waiting around the corner to catch their opportunity is so crucial.

He mentioned in the same interview that we could see these young talents emerging to the top of the brand as soon as a couple of years. Among the several rising stars, Triple H singled out a total of four names who are destined to go to the very top, according to him.

Triple H’s Four Future WrestleMania Main Eventers

“When you see this next crop of talent, Oba Femi is going to be as big as anybody has ever been in this business,” Triple H said.

He also mentioned Sol Ruca, saying she has an opportunity to be a standout star.

“Je’von Evans is one of the young guys. He reminds me of a young Jeff Hardy. He has this incredible move set, but he also has a youth about him that you can look away from,” Triple H continued to say.

Evans made his wrestling debut in 2018, when he was just 14 years old, and signed for WWE in November 2023, at 19 years of age.

The other name Triple H mentioned was Trick Williams, who debuted in 2020.

“Trick is a personality plus. Again, he is another guy you can’t look away from,” Triple H said.

Summarising the four, The Game said: “These are the young talent that are going to take WWE into the future. You’re seeing them rise now, but two, three, four years from now, these are going to be the main events of WrestleMania. I promise you.”

Arsenal are preparing an £80 million bid for a key transfer target this summer, according to TeamTalk, as they ramp up their business in the market.

The Gunners have started to put the pieces into place for their first few arrivals of the window, after securing the Premier League title last season.

A move for Leicester wonderkid Jeremy Monga appears to be close, while talks have been held to sign Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge as a squad option.

Beyond the pair, Arsenal are also looking at those who can make an immediate impact, and have set their sights on Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

After making an initial bid for the Brazilian, it appears as though the North London club are stepping up their efforts with another offer on the way.

Arsenal Prepare Another Bruno Guimaraes Bid

via Reuters

Arsenal’s initial £55 million bid for Guimaraes wasn’t enough to tempt Newcastle into a deal, as the star enters the final two years of his contract.

Despite that rejected, the Gunners look set to ramp up their efforts to land the Brazilian, as TeamTalk claims an £80 million bid is soon on the way.

It’s unclear whether that will be enough to tempt Newcastle, with no public valuation set on the 28-year-old while the club faces a battle to keep hold of him.

It looks like an increasingly tough prospect, however, as the report adds that Guimaraes has told the Magpies that he has no intention of signing a contract extension that would take his stay beyond the next two years.

That may prompt an exit while the star player, who has been described as “brilliant”, is still able to maximise his value for the club on the transfer market.

It plays a key role behind Arsenal’s pursuit of the midfielder, alongside deals elsewhere that could have a knock-on effect.

Arsenal Impact From Sandro Tonali Deal

via Reuters

Arsenal’s move for Guimaraes has been accelerated in recent days, which could well be an impact from another Newcastle deal this summer.

Sandro Tonali continues to be linked with an exit from St. James’ Park, as the Italian international has caught the eye of many top clubs in the market.

Tottenham are frontrunners to sign him, with a £100 million valuation set, which could have a major impact on whether Newcastle feel obliged to sell Guimaraes.

It means Arsenal could look to get a deal done before their rivals, to ensure they are able to land their top target to help improve the midfield ranks.