Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to headline the FIFA World Cup next summer, and could face each other for the first time. Both legendary players are set for a last hurrah in North America next year, and they are in line for a blockbuster knockout clash. According to journalist Adriano del Monte, Argentina and Portugal could meet in the quarterfinals of the competition at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on July 11th. This match up will come to be if both teams finish on top of their respective groups and navigate their way past their Round of 32 and Round of 16 opposition. Lionel Messi's Argentina were drawn into Group J during the group stage draws in Washington D.C on Friday, December 5th. They will take on European side Austria, African outfit Algeria, and debutants Jordan in their group stage campaign in Texas and Kansas City. Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates are in Groups K alongside South American powerhouse Colombia and debutants Uzbekistan. They will be joined by whichever of Congo DR, Jamaica, or New Caledonia that makes it through the intercontinental playoffs in March. Lionel Messi and Ronaldo have never met in a FIFA World Cup, despite having appeared in each of the last five editions of the Mundial, dating back to 2006. The former has won the competition once in 2022, while also picking up a runners-up medal in 2014, while the latter has never tasted significant success in a FIFA World Cup.Former Portugal international speaks out on Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo FIFA World Cup meeting Former Portugal star Pedro Mendes has spoken about the possibility of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo locking horns in the FIFA World Cup next summer. The pair of rivals are regarded as two of the greatest footballers of all-time, and have enjoyed unrivalled success in professional football.In a chat with Boyle Sports, Mendes expressed gratitude at being able to witness this era of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He expressed hope that their respective countries reach the final of the competition, pointing out that it could be a retirement match for one of them. “It's always a big occasion. Every time there's a Ronaldo vs Messi match, it's always a big occasion. We were fortunate enough to see those amazing players, but I think they were unlucky to be in the same generation. If they played at different times, they would both be considered the best of all time in their respective generations without question. But again, there's always that debate, who was the best? Messi or Ronaldo?“So every time there's a game between them, it's a big occasion. And it'll be great every time you see it. I hope Messi plays, because Messi on the pitch is always a joy to watch as a football fan, not just as a Portuguese fan, but as a football fan. I hope he goes. Portugal and Argentina in the final would be good. It could be the retirement match for one of them", he said (via GOAL).Lionel Messi has yet to confirm his participation in the FIFA World Cup next summer, as the 38-year-old is focused on playing for Inter Miami. Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, has revealed that this would be his last World Cup, even if he will continue his career with Al-Nassr afterwards.