Ronaldo and Messi kick off their World Cups with one last match potentially on the line

When Argentina plays Algeria and Portugal takes on Congo, two of soccer’s most storied players will begin what will likely be their last runs at the World Cup.

When Argentina plays Algeria on Tuesday and Portugal takes on Congo on Wednesday, two of soccer’s most storied players will begin what will likely be their last runs at the World Cup.

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Argentina star Lionel Messi, 38, and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, defined soccer for much of the 21st century. Both are now in the twilight of their careers, and while there are certainly no guarantees, if both countries advance to the knockout stage, there could be one last match between the all-time greats.

From 2008 to 2017, Messi and Ronaldo were the only two players to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, widely considered the top individual prize in the sport. Over that period, each player won the award five times, with Messi winning the award three more times since.