As well as the upcoming World Cup finals in Qatar being one that sets all sorts of new precedents and milestones, such as being the first to be held in the region and also taking place in the winter, it is likely to be the end of an era for two of the best players to have ever played the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will almost certainly both be taking part in their last-ever World Cup finals. Indeed, the Argentine portion of this duo has confirmed this to be the case, while his Portuguese rival (who is two years his senior) isn’t likely to be involved in 2026 either.
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2022 World Cup Betting Action
The 2022 World Cup marks the first opportunity for many US citizens to place legal World Cup bets. On June 14, 2018, New Jersey residents were permitted to bet online for the first time. This coincided with the beginning of the 2018 World Cup. Bettors in other states were sidelined while their respective legislatures worked through their own sports betting bills.
This wasn’t the case for those in jurisdictions where soccer betting was already legal, like the United Kingdom, most European nations, and Australia. Those from outside the United States looking to bet on the Ronaldo’s and Messi’s farewell tour should check out these World Cup betting offers before placing a bet. Carefully compare the new customer bonuses before putting your money risk.
Will Argentina or Portugal go all the way? The 2022 World Cup starts on November 20th and comes to a close on December 18, 2022.
Messi and Ronaldo Both in the Hunt
37-year-old Ronaldo and 35-year-old Messi, both of whom hold their respective national team records for goals and caps, are both set to take part in their fifth World Cup finals tournaments, and neither has managed to secure the trophy. Could either of the stars end their drought in Qatar?
Well, clearly, Argentina are more fancied to win the tournament; they currently sit in third place in the betting while Portugal are further down the pecking order but still capable of impressing.
Ronaldo is struggling this season and isn’t a regular starter under Man United boss Erik ten Hag and has managed just one Premier League goal this season. On the other hand, Messi continues to be a vital player in the PSG set-up and has amassed 12 goals in all competitions, with the French side unbeaten in 21 games this season.
Messi has played in the World Cup final but saw his side edged out by Germany in extra time back in 2014 and is the more likely to finally pick up the one accolade that eludes them both.
Current World Cup Odds
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Team |  BetMGM |
 BetRivers |
|---|---|---|
 France | -120 Bet | -115 Bet |
 Argentina | -110 Bet | -108 Bet |
Say Hello to Soccer’s Future
The 2022 World Cup may be a chance for the newer generation to shine as veterans of the game start to take more of a back seat. Among the young talents that are sure to make an impact are Spanish teen Pedri, England midfield sensation Jude Bellingham, and Germany’s Jamal Musiala.
Argentina has the easier group of the two nations, with Messi sure to rack up some goals as his side takes on Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland, while Ronaldo’s Portugal will contend with Uruguay, Ghana, and South Korea.