How Ronaldo vs. Messi WC final could happen
The World Cup groups have been set, and it's possible that the two greatest players on Earth could meet in the final. What has to happen for Lionel Messi and Argentina to play Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on July 15th in Moscow? Let's take a closer look at the bracket.
As a reminder, Portugal is in Group B, along with Spain, Morocco and Iran. Argentina was drawn to group D, which includes Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria. The World Cup bracket was already set before the group draw, and matchups have been pre-set according to the finishing order within a group.
One thing to remember in general: If both Argentina and Portugal win their respective group, or if both countries finish second in their group, a Messi-Ronaldo final is impossible.
If Argentina wins Group D:
- Portugal cannot win Group B (they would meet in the quarterfinals)
- Argentina would likely face Spain in the quarterfinals, and Germany/Colombia/Poland/England/Belgium in the semifinals.
- Portugal would likely face France in the quarterfinals, and Brazil/England/Belgium in the semifinals.
If Argentina finishes second in Group D:
- Portugal cannot finish second in Group B (they would meet in the quarterfinals)
- Argentina would likely face Brazil/Belgium/England in the semifinals
- Portugal would likely face Nigeria/Croatia/Peru/Denmark in the quarterfinals and Germany/Belgium/England/Colombia in the semifinals.
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