The opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup painted two vastly different pictures for football's biggest icons. While Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a masterclass hat-trick, Cristiano Ronaldo's major tournament drought extended to 10 games. Photo: IANS
Image: IANS
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For years fans have been split between who is the better footballer between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but after the first round of the Fifa World Cup 2026, the debate may be over.
The two icons have dominated football for nearly two decades, shattering records and collecting trophies at a rate never before seen in the sport. Yet, as they enter what is likely to be their final World Cup appearances, their opening performances in North America painted very different pictures.
Messi delivered a masterclass as defending champions Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria. The 38-year-old scored all three goals, registering the first World Cup hat-trick of his legendary career and equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
More importantly, Messi completely controlled the match. Every dangerous Argentine attack flowed through him, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner dictating the tempo, creating opportunities and providing the leadership expected from a reigning world champion. It was the kind of performance that reminded football fans why Argentina remain among the favourites to retain their crown.
Ronaldo's World Cup opener could hardly have been more different. Portugal were held to a shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo, a nation playing in their first World Cup in more than half a century.
While Ronaldo made history by appearing in his sixth World Cups, his influence on the game was minimal, at the very least.
In the first half, CR7 touched the ball between 10 and 15 times. Granted, he no longer attacks down the wings and plays as a centre-forward, but the magic was just not there against the DRC. The 41-year-old struggled to find space, failed to register a meaningful impact in the final third and watched as DRC secured the first World Cup point in their history.
Portugal's attack looked predictable and lacked the spark that Messi so effortlessly provided for Argentina. The statistics also make uncomfortable reading for Ronaldo supporters.
The Portuguese captain has now failed to score in his last 10 appearances for Portugal in major international tournaments, a drought stretching across World Cups and European Championships.
Meanwhile, Messi continues to thrive on football's biggest stage. He is not only scoring goals but carrying the hopes of an entire nation as Argentina chase back-to-back World Cup titles.
The GOAT debate may never truly end, but after the opening round of the 2026 World Cup, Messi has delivered the strongest argument yet that football's greatest player wears blue and white.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch