Messi and Ronaldo will both be playing in the World Cup for the sixth time. All signs also suggest that this will be the last time we see them in a World Cup context.
Both made their World Cup debuts in Germany in 2006. At the time, Messi was 19 and Ronaldo was 21.
In Qatar four years ago, Messi finally became world champion after Argentina's victory over France in the final. Ronaldo has at best reached the semi-finals of the World Cup with Portugal.
TV4 expert Jonas Olsson has met both superstars on the field.
"Work harder to meet Ronaldo"
The former West Bromwich defender remembers what it was like to face Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
It was harder to face Ronaldo. He was the kind of player who was quick, could challenge, incredibly fast and strong.
In the national team, Olsson faced Messi in the training match at Friends Arena in 2013 (2-3 loss).
Messi was a player who floated more and dribbled, so the midfield had to deal with him. He was a genius when he was right, says Olsson.
We will look back on them as two of the greatest players to ever exist.
“My first big idol”
Both Messi and Ronaldo have won major titles in the world of football.
Despite that, it is not possible to compare them to the legends Pelé and Diego Maradona, says Olsson.
I've never seen Pelé play. His "legacy" is very much World Cup and national team games. It's not the same as Ronaldo and Messi in that respect.
But for Jonas Olsson, Diego Maradona will always be the greatest:
Maradona, for me, was my first big idol. I will always be more fascinated by the person and the genius, compared to Messi and Ronaldo.
If you compare football-wise, it's hard to separate the three. But in terms of club achievements, Ronaldo and Messi are ahead. Maradona will always be the greatest for me, concludes Olsson.
Lionel Messi:
Age: 38.
Nationality: Argentine.
Club: Inter Miami, USA.
Previous clubs: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain.
Selected achievements: Ten Spanish league titles and four Champions League titles with Barcelona. World Cup gold and Copa América win with Argentina.
Individual honours: Eight Ballon d'Or awards.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
Age: 41.
Nationality: Portuguese.
Club: Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia.
Previous clubs: Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus.
Selected achievements: Three league titles with United, two league titles with Real Madrid and two league titles with Juventus. Five Champions League wins, one with United and four with Real Madrid. European Championship gold with Portugal.
Individual honours: Five Ballon d'Or awards.
