What appears a routine duel between Messi and Ronaldo — one club in pink, one in yellow — becomes something far bigger once the numbers reveal who really commands world soccer today.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo keep their fans on the edge of their seats with their plays and have shown their support at all times. Defending them on social media, watching

There is a scenario in which Messi & Ronaldo meet in Kansas City at the World Cup. The loser likely would retire from international soccer.

The holders were given a reasonably attractive group, and Argentina will be the clear favourites to progress as the best of the four. That will bring a round-of-32 tie in Messi’s adopted home of Miami, and it could be a juicy one if Uruguay finish runners-up in Group H.