Messi and Ronaldo may have one more on-field battle left in them, with both expected to grace next summer’s World Cup finals. Argentina head into that competition as defending champions, but Portugal have their sights set on a global crown that would allow their talismanic captain to complete his medal collection.
Sneijder said when asked who will be celebrating at the end of a major international tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico: “It is so hard to say! Portugal have a very strong team. For me they are one of the favourites so then I would say Cristiano Ronaldo has the stronger chance of winning the next World Cup compared to Lionel Messi.
“It was a great World Cup for Argentina in Qatar but they were a bit lucky as well. I think overall Portugal are a better team.”
Title holders Argentina have already secured their place at FIFA’s flagship event, with Messi expected to form part of their squad despite questions being asked of whether he is ready to slip into international retirement.
Portugal are on the brink of booking their qualification, heading into clashes with the Republic of Ireland and Armenia, with Ronaldo claiming that he does not need a World Cup triumph in order to cement his legacy.