Messi reaches World Cup semi-final as Ronaldo's 'too good' dream fades again

Lionel Messi is into the World Cup 2026 semi-finals after Argentina edged past Switzerland in extra time in the quarter-finals, setting up a blockbuster clash with Thomas Tuchel’s England in Atlanta. Cristiano Ronaldo, by contrast, has already packed his bags — Portugal eliminated by Spain 1-0 in the round of 16.

The contrast gives fresh sting to a remark Ronaldo made in his now-infamous 2022 Piers Morgan interview. When Morgan floated the hypothetical of a Portugal vs Argentina final — Ronaldo scoring a hat-trick, Messi netting two — Ronaldo grinned and offered just two words: “Too good.” Four years on, the scenario remains firmly in the realm of fantasy.

Messi, who has scored eight goals in the tournament so far, is contesting his second consecutive World Cup semi-final. Ronaldo, starting every group and knockout game for Portugal, managed three goals before his side’s exit — his sixth and almost certainly final World Cup ending at the same stage as it did in 2022.

That Qatar tournament carried its own painful echoes. Ronaldo was dropped by manager Fernando Santos for a round-of-16 win over Switzerland, Portugal then fell 1-0 to Morocco in the quarter-finals, and Santos departed by mutual consent. Messi’s Argentina lifted the trophy.

This time, under Roberto Martinez, Portugal progressed further in the group stage but again ran into Spain, who ended their campaign with a 1-0 victory. Ronaldo started every match but could not prevent the same round-of-16 exit.

Messi, meanwhile, shows no sign of slowing. His eight goals have driven Argentina’s charge to the final four, and a second World Cup title in successive tournaments is now within reach — though England, and then either France or Spain, stand in the way.

The rivalry that defined a generation of football has produced one final, lopsided chapter on the world stage: Messi still competing for the game’s ultimate prize, Ronaldo watching from home.