Throughout their glittering careers, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have ruled across the beautiful game with an iron fist, sharing a mighty 12 Balon d'Ors between them in addition to the many major honours won with both club and country. Yet, the FIFA World Cup has proven merciless for even the greatest players of all time.
The two have set a plethora of records at the most gripping tournament on the planet, with Messi holding the record for most games played and Ronaldo being the only man in history to have scored in five different tournaments. But only one of them has ever made it all the way to the final and ultimately lifted the famous golden trophy. That, of course, is the mercurial Argentine.
FC Barcelona's greatest-ever player cemented his legacy as the best that's ever lived as he led his beloved Albiceleste to glory in Qatar 18 months ago, at the ripe old age of 35, much to the dismay of his oldest adversary. Now, with another spectacle just around the corner, online sports betting sites give both players one last shot at glory, despite their advancing years, allowing fans to wager on who they think is most likely to take home the win. The popular Bovada's online sports betting odds currently make the reigning champions a +900 contender, narrowly behind the jointly favoured France, Brazil, Spain, and England, with Portugal further back at +1500.
But over the years, the World Cup's unforgiving format has delivered moments of heartbreak for both global superstars. Here are their most painful hours.
First Semifinal Heartbreak
Back in 2006, both Ronaldo and Messi made their FIFA World Cup bow. The latter was slightly behind the former in terms of his development, with CR7 featuring in the Euro 2004 final as a teenager just two years prior. At his maiden foray on the global stage at the age of 21, he was arguably the Selecao's brightest spark.
Led by veteran captain Luís Figo, they advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 1966, beating the Netherlands and defeating England on penalties for the second straight tournament along the way. Hopes were high, and a nation dared to dream, but unfortunately for them, Portugal came up against a Zinedine Zidane enjoying one last late-career renaissance.
The French skipper delivered a masterclass to help his side knock out both Spain and Italy in the previous two rounds and he was up to the task once more in the semifinals. He netted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after Ricardo Carvalho fouled Thierry Henry in the box, sending Les Bleus to a second final in three tournaments.
Messi and Maradona's Dream Becomes a Nightmare
By 2010, Lionel Messi had established himself as the planet's finest after leading Barcelona to an unprecedented sextuple in 2009, as well as claiming the first Balon d'Or of his career. Many expected that blistering form to transfer onto the international stage and with his country partnering their superstar with fellow GOAT Diego Maradona - in a managerial capacity - hopes were high.
All attention was on the South Americans, especially after amassing a 100% record in the group stage and resoundingly beating Mexico in the Last 16 thanks to a Carlos Tevez brace. But despite that, it was Die Mannschaft's talented young core of Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, and Manuel Neuer that stole the show. The former of that trio netted another brace - just as he did against England - while further goals from Miroslav Klose and Arne Friedrich sealed an emphatic 4-0 humiliation.
Despite his tireless efforts, Messi was neutralized by Germany’s discipline. And it wasn't the last time they would do exactly that. Four years later, the two would meet in the World Cup final in Brazil, and the Germans once again came out on top, thanks to Mario Gotze's extra-time winner. That marked the third tournament in a row in which they had eliminated Argentina, making them arguably the country's greatest bogey team.
The Greatest Finally Crowned
By the time the 2022 World Cup came around, Cristiano Ronaldo was 37 years old, competing in what many believed would be his last opportunity to claim football’s ultimate prize. And as always seemed to be the case, all eyes were on him. The veteran former Real Madrid icon made headlines the world over in his gobsmacking interview with Piers Morgan on the eve of the tournament, which resulted in his immediate release from Manchester United.
With Ronny berating everyone from owners to former teammates at Old Trafford, he ramped up the pressure on himself and his Portugal team to deliver the one piece of silverware his glittering career had never secured. And unfortunately, it all came crashing down.
Ronaldo lost his place in the team to youngster Goncalo Ramos as the tournament progressed, with the teenage star netting a hat trick in the second round 6-1 drubbing of Switzerland. But unfortunately, the goals dried up in the quarterfinals against Morocco. With the African outfit leading 1-0 deep into the second half, Ronaldo was called upon to summon up an equalizer, but in his veteran years, he was unable to conjure up the magic he once did.
The Atlas Lions ultimately emerged with a 1-0 victory, sending CR7 down the tunnel in tears at yet another elimination. To make matters worse, his greatest rival Messi led Argentina to the trophy for the first time at the age of 35. It's unlikely that Ronaldo will even be at the World Cup in two years' time, and he may have to settle for forever being second-best to his nemesis.