Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo: World Cup goalscorer match bet odds

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo renew their rivalry on the World Cup stage for one final time.

Arguably the two greatest players ever to grace the game, both are set to take part in their sixth and final World Cup in North America this summer.

Messi famously led Argentina to their third title in 2022 but, for Ronaldo, his World Cup quest will reach a conclusion after this tournament; irrespective of whether it ends in glory or disappointment.

Although they are both very much in the final stages of their playing careers, both Messi and Ronaldo will be keen to make one final, lasting impact on the footballing world.

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi needs just three goals to equal Miraslav Klose's all-time World Cup goalscoring record whilst Ronaldo, not only fuelled by the propsect of a maiden World Cup win, is attempting to become the first player in history to score at six different finals.

We've priced up a goalscorer match bet between the pair...

Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo - Goalscorer Match Bet odds

(Odds will display when market is available)

The nature of a 48-team competition places enormous weight on the group stages when it comes to goalscoring.

Reigning champions Argentina are pitched in alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J while Portugal face a similarly straightforward task with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia their Group K opposition.

Ronaldo backers will be delighted to learn that opening matches against lesser opposition in DR Congo and Uzbekistan come before the more stern assignment against Colombia. The 41-year-old is expected to be a starter and it is a positive for his goalscoring chances that those games out of the way early before potentially being rested for their final group encounter.

Argentina, however, face their two tougher games against Algeria and Austria early on before playing Jordan in their final group match. If Argentina already have two wins on the board by this time, then there is a chance that Messi might be given a rest.

The path through the knockout rounds are notoriously tricky to predict, however, if results go as expected, then Messi and Ronaldo are set on a collision course heading for the quarter-finals.

For football fans across the globe, that is some prospect.