Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the biggest names in football history, and their rivalry over the last two decades will likely never be replicated. Now, however, both icons have reached the twilight of their career, with the Argentine superstar 37 years of age and his Portuguese counterpart two years his elder. With the next FIFA World Cup still just under two years away, will either of them feature in the grandest sporting spectacle on earth?
The Popularity of the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup isn't just a celebration of football; it's a global phenomenon that captivates audiences of all ages and backgrounds. With billions tuning in to watch matches, the tournament’s mass appeal extends far beyond the pitch into various industries, including online gambling. Football and betting go hand in hand in modern times, but the popularity of the World Cup has sent punters into a frenzy, so much so that providers have to provide a 24/7 round-the-clock offering.
One way they have done that is by creating online casino games such as Big Football Bonus. This slot game integrates iconic football imagery, themes, and features that mirror the excitement of the game. From team kits to roars of the crowd, every element is meant to evoke the thrill of being part of a real match. But while that number is certainly impressive, nothing compares to the real thing.
Messi's Crowning Moment
Messi and Ronaldo have had storied World Cup careers, but their individual accomplishments differ. Lionel Messi finally achieved the ultimate prize in 2022, leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. at the ripe old age of 36 and at the fifth time of asking. Now, popular online betting sites make the reigning champions a 10/1 contender to retain their crown but whether their mercurial captain will still be playing at the level required to lead his country's defense of the gold remains to be seen.
Over the years, the former Barcelona skipper has only known pain on the grandest stage. He led his beloved Albiceleste to the final in 2014 as well, but they were downed by Germany in Rio de Janeiro thanks to Mario Gotze's winner deep into extra time. That was the third straight time Die Mannschaft had inflicted pain on Messi and Co. after having beaten them on penalties in 2006 and thumped them 4-0 in the quarter-finals four years later.
After losing out to France in 2018, Messi had one more crack of the whip in 2022, and his brilliance was on full display for all to see. He led the way with seven goals and three assists in one of the greatest individual campaigns of all time, securing the Golden Ball as well as winning the tournament outright, the first time Argentina had gone all the way since the days of Diego Maradona nearly four decades prior.
Ronaldo on the Grandest Stage
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, has delivered notable moments but hasn’t reached similar ultimate glory at the World Cup. He - like his rival - has participated in five tournaments, starting in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals. He hasn't come close to making it that far since.
Despite never making it past the final four, CR7 has had plenty of standout moments, including a blistering hat trick against Spain in Russia in 2018. In Qatar, he became the first male player to score in five different World Cups, cementing his reputation as a record-breaker. Whether he makes it six in North America in 18 months remains to be seen.