Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will make history together at the 2026 World Cup by playing in their sixth consecutive World Cup, something that no one has achieved so far. Much is said about the Argentine being a two-time world champion, but Ricardo Quaresma warns about his former teammate to lift the trophy.
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The former player believes that Cristiano, despite his age (41), has the condition, rhythm and leadership to guide the Portuguese to win the tournament. He knows that the chances are real because, in addition, Portugal has a good squad to compete at the highest level.
It’s his last World Cup and they want Cristiano to win that title. The expectation is high, it is very high, because they have the quality to achieve it; because if they didn’t have it, we wouldn’t have all that expectation
While in Argentina there is talk that Messi can achieve what Maradona could not, namely, to repeat as world champion, in Europe there is enthusiasm to see Cristiano Ronaldo closing his career with a flourish.
Ricardo Quaresma and the Portuguese process
The former footballer was part of the Portuguese national team that won Euro 2016. Since then, Portugal has realized that it can aspire to win and achieve international titles, so thinking about winning a World Cup is possible.
I’m very proud to see the players who played with me win such an important title for our country. I think it’s everyone’s dream to win a World Cup
The current generation was crowned in the Nations League, an achievement that excites Quaresma to believe that in 2026 the Lusitanians are serious contenders to be world champions.
Who was Ricardo Quaresma?
He began his career at Sporting CP, where he made his debut in the 2000-01 season. After two seasons with the first team, he signed for Barcelona in 2003. However, he did not have much continuity and returned to Portugal to join Porto
He played as a winger for Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona, Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Besiktas. At club level, his biggest achievement was winning the Champions League with Inter in 2010 under the management of Jose Mourinho.With Portugal, he only played in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. His best moment with the national team was in 2016 when they were crowned European champions by beating France in the final.
