Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will make history together at the 2026 World Cup, reaching a sixth consecutive World Cup, a feat no one has ever achieved before. Much has been said about the Argentine as a two-time world champion, but Ricardo Quaresma has warned about his former teammate lifting the trophy.
History is made every time Lionel Messi scores his 900th goal for Inter Miami
The former player believes Cristiano has the conditioning, rhythm and leadership to lead the Portuguese to victory in the tournament, despite his age of 41. Moreover, he knows his chances are real because Portugal has a good team that can compete at the highest level.
This is Cristiano’s last World Cup and they want him to win that title. Expectations are high and very high because they have the qualities to achieve it. Because if they didn’t have it, we wouldn’t have as much hope.
While there is talk in Argentina that Messi could once again do what Maradona failed to do – become world champion again, Europe is keen to see Cristiano Ronaldo end his career in style.
Ricardo Quaresma and the Portuguese Process
The former soccer player was part of the Portugal national team that won Euro 2016. Since then, Portugal have realized that they can win and win international titles and could even consider winning the World Cup.
I’m very proud that the players I played with won such an important title for this country. I think it’s everyone’s dream to win the World Cup.
The current generation have won the Nations League and Quaresma believes this achievement will make the Lusitanians strong contenders for the world championship in 2026.
Who is Ricardo Quaresma?
He started his career with Sporting CP, making his debut in the 2000-01 season. After two seasons with the first team, he signed with Barcelona in 2003. However, he did not have much staying power and returned to Portugal to join Porto.
He played as a winger for Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona, Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Besiktas. His greatest achievement at club level was winning the Champions League with Jose Mourinho’s Inter in 2010, but he only played for Portugal at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. His best moment with the national team was in 2016, when they defeated France in the final to become European champions.
