The 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing closer, with the tournament set to begin on 11 June across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Whether Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in what could be their final World Cup campaigns remains uncertain. However, signs suggest that both legends are preparing for one last dance on football’s biggest stage.
Thirty-eight-year-old Messi hinted at his intentions in a recent interview with NBC News, saying, “I want to be there (at the 2026 World Cup).” His long-time rival, 40-year-old Ronaldo, has also expressed his desire to represent Portugal once more at the grand event.
But the question many fans are asking is: between Messi’s Argentina and Ronaldo’s Portugal, who stands a better chance of lifting the trophy in 2026?
Former Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who played in the 2010 World Cup final for the Netherlands, was asked this very question. Widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, Sneijder enjoyed a glittering career with Ajax, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Galatasaray, winning league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Turkey. He also lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Inter Milan and earned a reputation as a master of set pieces.
According to Sneijder, Portugal have the edge over Argentina when it comes to winning the next World Cup. Explaining his view, the 41-year-old said, “It’s very difficult to say, but Portugal have an incredibly strong squad. They are one of my favourites. That’s why I think Cristiano Ronaldo has a better chance of winning the World Cup than Lionel Messi.”
Argentina, of course, were the champions in Qatar in 2022. Yet Sneijder believes fortune also played a role in their triumph. “Argentina had a fantastic World Cup in Qatar, but they were a bit lucky as well. All things considered, I think Portugal are the stronger side,” he added.
Sneijder retired from professional football in August 2019, having ended his playing days with Qatari club Al-Gharafa. During the interview, he was also asked which league he would prefer if he were still playing today—the MLS, like Messi, or the Saudi Pro League, like Ronaldo.
His response was thoughtful yet straightforward: “I’d love to experience both. I enjoy new challenges. But since I’ve already played in the Middle East, I would probably choose MLS. My son lives in Los Angeles, so joining a club there would make sense. Los Angeles Galaxy have a rich history, while LAFC are doing really well. I visit my son in LA quite often, so honestly, it would be hard to pick just one.”
Sneijder’s comments have reignited one of football’s greatest debates—between Messi and Ronaldo, who will have the final say on the world stage in 2026?