Messi’s former Barcelona teammate picks Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal as 2026 World Cup favorites

A former teammate of Lionel Messi at Barcelona has shared his expectations for the FIFA World Cup 2026—and named Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal as one of the tournament favorites.

With less than a year to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026, several national teams, including Lionel Messi’s Argentina, have already secured their places in the tournament. While Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have yet to clinch qualification, a Barcelona legend has identified them as one of the top contenders to win it all.

In a recent interview with TUDN, Carles Puyol was asked whether he saw Portugal as a title contender for 2026, and he didn’t hesitate. “For me, yes,” he said. “In the current circumstances, I think they are a very dangerous team.”

To support his view, the 47-year-old former Spanish international broke down some of the key strengths that make Roberto Martinez’s squad one of the most competitive sides in the world today. “They have a very good team, players at top clubs who are winning a lot, and a very competitive squad, with a great coach,” Carles said.

Portugal will begin their World Cup qualifying campaign in a few months. They are part of Group F, alongside Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, and Armenia, and will play their first matches during the September international break. To secure their place at next year’s tournament, they’ll need to finish first in their group—or second and then win through the playoffs.

Puyol praises Cristiano Ronaldo

Speaking about Portugal’s chances at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Carles Puyol had special praise for Cristiano. “Ronaldo takes great care of himself, he lives for soccer,” said the former defender. “In this new role as a central striker, the numbers speak for themselves. He’s scored 20 goals in 25 matches—the numbers are there.”

Puyol also reflected on the potential impact of both Ronaldo and Messi playing in one more World Cup. “In theory, it would be the last World Cup for both Leo and Cristiano. They are examples for every new generation,” Carles said.

“I think it will be difficult to see two players at this level for so many years again,” added the Barcelona legend, who played alongside Messi from 2004 to 2014. “I believe players like this are always important on a team—for what they bring on the field and also off it, as global role models.”

How many World Cups have Messi and Ronaldo played?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are part of an elite group of players who have appeared in five FIFA World Cups, joining soccer legends such as Lothar Matthaus and Rafael Marquez. However, no player has ever taken part in six—and both Leo and CR7 could make history if they reach next year’s tournament.

Messi and Ronaldo have played in the same five World Cups: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. But their journeys have unfolded quite differently. While Messi won the title in 2022 and was a finalist in 2014, Ronaldo’s best result was a semifinal appearance in 2006.

From: bolavip.com