Cristiano Ronaldo is eyeing a possible World Cup showdown with long-time rival Lionel Messi after Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan moved Portugal close to the last 32, while results elsewhere mean a quarter-final meeting with Argentina remains a realistic path if group standings fall in Portugal’s favour.

Portugal now have four points and a +5 goal difference after two matches, which makes elimination highly unlikely even though qualification is not yet guaranteed mathematically, and those numbers place Portugal in a strong position to progress at least as one of the best third-placed teams.

Argentina have already sealed first place in Group J, helped by Lionel Messi scoring five goals across the opening two games, and tournament projections suggest Portugal could face Argentina in the quarter-finals if Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates win their group and the knockout bracket develops as expected.

That scenario depends on Portugal overtaking Colombia in Group K, because Colombia sit top after three straight wins, including a 1-0 victory over DR Congo, and Opta’s supercomputer currently gives Colombia a 51% chance of keeping first place, with Portugal narrowly behind on 49% before their direct meeting.

Ronaldo struck twice in the first half against Uzbekistan, completing a brace that lifted Ronaldo to 10 World Cup goals for Portugal, moving Ronaldo past Eusebio, who scored nine, and those goals also mean the 41-year-old is now the second-oldest scorer in tournament history behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored aged 42 in 1994.

The meeting with Messi would be historic because Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have never faced each other at a World Cup, despite both now appearing at a sixth edition and widely expected to be playing at this level for the final time, which increases the sense that any duel in the later rounds would be remembered for years.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi World Cup reaction and pressure

When asked about a possible clash with Argentina in the mixed zone, Ronaldo responded: “I don’t know how to answer that, but, well, it would be awesome. 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.”

Another question mentioned Lionel Messi’s scoring form, and also referred to Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, but Cristiano Ronaldo appeared less willing to discuss that comparison, cutting the discussion short with the brief reply “next question” before moving the focus back to Portugal’s collective objectives at this World Cup.

Ronaldo had faced heavy criticism after Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw with DR Congo, scrutiny that intensified because of Ronaldo’s status and age, yet the captain said the squad remains together, stating: “The most important thing is the team, being united with them, We can’t control the rest that comes from outside. We know that when we don’t win, we get attacked, especially me.”

Cristiano Ronaldo now leads Portugal in World Cup goals, has guided the national team to the brink of the knockouts and is still central to a campaign that could yet feature a first World Cup meeting with Lionel Messi, with Portugal’s decisive match against Colombia set to shape that possible path.