Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo head into their record sixth World Cup appearances with Argentina and Portugal in separate groups, making an on-field matchup possible only deep in the knockout bracket if both advance as expected. Their long-standing international rivalry features respectful yet distant relations, with no history of close personal interactions or handshakes at major tournaments despite multiple opportunities. Both remain central to their national teams amid strong recent form, but the emphasis stays on competitive focus rather than ceremonial gestures, supporting trader consensus that a handshake remains unlikely absent a direct head-to-head encounter or unforeseen off-field meeting during the tournament window.