THE World Cup groups have been set, and it’s possible that the two greatest players on earth could meet in the final. What has to happen for Lionel Messi and Argentina to play Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on July 15 in Moscow? Let’s take a closer look at the bracket.

As a reminder, Portugal are in Group B, along with Spain, Morocco and Iran. Argentina were drawn to Group D, which includes Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria. The World Cup bracket was already set before the group draw, and matchups have been pre-set according to the finishing order within a group.
One thing to remember in general: If both Argentina and Portugal win their respective group, or if both countries finish second in their group, a Messi-Ronaldo final is impossible.

If Argentina win Group D:
– Portugal cannot win Group B (they would meet in the quarterfinals)
– Argentina would likely face Spain in the quarterfinals, and Germany or Colombia, Poland, England, Belgium in the semi-finals.
– Portugal would likely face France in the quarterfinals and Brazil or England, Belgium in the semi-finals.
If Argentina finish second in Group D:
– Portugal cannot finish second in Group B (they would meet in the quarterfinals)
– Argentina would likely face Brazil or Belgium, England in the semi-finals
– Portugal would likely face Nigeria or Croatia, Peru, Denmark in the quarterfinals and Germany or Belgium, England, Colombia in the semi-finals.