The Group Stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup further affirmed a common and valid argument for those on the side of Lionel Messi in this debate. Despite missing a penalty, the legendary Argentine scored six goals in three games, propelling him to the top of the all-time charts for scoring in the biggest sports tournament on the planet.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, was criticized for his lack of impact in Portugal’s opener, scored twice against Uzbekistan, and was held again in the Group K decider. Even so, the final stories of the World Cup won’t be written until the final has taken place.
Anything can happen, from Messi getting sent off in his next game to Ronaldo and Portugal overcoming their tough placing to win the trophy. Yet, en route to the later stages, we can see that one nation will have played a bit of a role in the story of Ronaldo vs Messi at this World Cup.
Ronaldo, Stifled by the Irish
On his way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Portugal went to Ireland for what should have been a routine victory. Instead, they found themselves two goals down and with their captain and talisman given his marching orders. As The Guardian wrote, Ronaldo pointed the blame elsewhere when Lansdowne Road erupted in delirium.
Ronaldo did, very deliberately, elbow the body of Dara O’Shea, seeing his initial yellow card upgraded to a red. He was destined to undergo a three-match ban and be sidelined for the opening of the World Cup. Instead, FIFA deemed a one-match ban more appropriate, which was served in their last qualifier – a 9-1 win over Armenia.
It would seem as though the draw of Ronaldo is too great to uphold disciplinary rules for FIFA. He is wildly popular, and a case could have been made for him not being picked if banned for the first couple of games. Irish fans at the game would rightly say that Ronaldo’s ban should have been upheld this summer.
A Most Unlikely Irish Representative Faces Messi
Born in Crumlin and a one-time feature of the Irish youth teams, Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes wouldn’t be at the World Cup if he’d held to the country of his raising. In fact, he’s always been a Republic of Ireland footballer and continues to play for the professional teams of the country.
Given he was born there and the natural allure of Ireland, it makes sense. It’s a nation of incredibly friendly folk, rolling green hills, and cheeky bits of mythology. All of this is, of course, reflected across entertainment spread around the world, from hit films like P.S. I Love You to Slingo Rainbow Riches.
Of course, the latter plays more into the lucky symbology and myths of Ireland, what with it using features leading to the pot of gold coveted by a leprechaun, but the theme and angle remain true just about everywhere. So, you can’t blame Lopes for being committed to Irish football for as long as he was.
Still, in 2018, he received a call-up from the Cape Verde national team in Portuguese, and then another in English – which he accepted. The Shamrock Rovers captain, whose father is from Cape Verde, is now closing in on his 50th cap for the African nation despite not making his debut until he turned 27 years old.
Defying the odds, Pico Lopes helped to guide Cape Verde to the knockout stages, where the reigning champions awaited. As The Irish Times reported, the draw spurred League of Ireland fans all over to suddenly cheer on the Shamrock Rovers defender. He helped keep Spain at bay, and then he had to face Lionel Messi.
Regardless of the outcome of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both Ronaldo and Messi will have come against a bit of Ireland.