Messi vs Ronaldo now only possible in potential World Cup final after Portugal finish second in group stage

Millions of football fans hoping for one final FIFA World Cup showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have seen the odds of that dream diminish after Portugal finished second in Group K on Saturday (27 June).

Portugal's goalless draw against Colombia placed them on the opposite side of the knockout bracket from Argentina, ruling out a potential quarterfinal meeting between the two football icons.

With the draw now set, Messi and Ronaldo can only face each other if both Argentina and Portugal reach the World Cup final. Had Portugal topped their group alongside Argentina, the two teams were on course for a blockbuster quarterfinal clash. I

Instead, Portugal will begin their knockout campaign against Croatia in the Round of 32 and could face Spain in the last 16 if they progress. Argentina, meanwhile, will take on World Cup debutants Cape Verde.

For much of the past two weeks, the tournament appeared to be building towards one final meeting between two of football's greatest rivals.

The possibility of a last-eight clash had generated excitement among supporters eager to witness another chapter in one of sport's most iconic rivalries.

Messi has led Argentina's charge by scoring five goals across victories over Algeria and Austria before adding another against Jordan. His strike against Jordan also made him the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has guided Portugal into the knockout stage, but his side's failure to secure top spot has significantly complicated their path to the title and to a possible reunion with Messi on football's biggest stage.