Recently, former Manchester United legend and ex-France international Patrice Evra accepted a media interview, discussing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and looking ahead to the World Cup prospects of Portugal and Argentina.
Reporter: “Given your extensive World Cup experience, which teams or national sides do you think will be the strongest contenders after the 2026 World Cup group stage draw?”
Evra: “France will be one of them, but their draw is really tough because they’re in the same group as Senegal.
Senegal is my birthplace and my father’s hometown. I remember the mixed feelings when Senegal beat France in 2002.“So for me, this game will be particularly difficult – it’s like choosing between my father and mother.
“France has a great chance because they have a strong squad full of young talents, but predicting who will win the World Cup is always hard. I’ve always said that.
“There’s the defending champion Argentina, and Portugal led by Ronaldo – this might be his last World Cup, just like Messi’s, but we can never predict Ronaldo. He could play until he’s 100.
“There will also be teams that might spring surprises. Teams like Brazil, but they’re in the same group as Morocco and Scotland, so the games won’t be easy. I also hope to see an African team make a surprise.”
Reporter: “In the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal and Argentina might meet, and Ronaldo and Messi could face off for the last time. How exciting would that be?”
Evra: “I think they’ll make it happen. A rematch between the two football GOATs would be absolutely fantastic. I’d love to see that.”
Reporter: “Who is your all-time greatest – Messi or Ronaldo?”
Evra: “Everyone has their preference. I choose Ronaldo over Messi.
“It’s not because Ronaldo is one of my brothers – I played with him for many years. It’s because I admire his professionalism.
“Messi has talent, and Ronaldo does too, but the way Ronaldo has persisted to this day is why I choose him over Messi. I respect Messi.
“People think that if you prefer Ronaldo, it means you don’t like Messi. But if you don’t like Messi, you don’t understand football.“Messi has already won the World Cup with Argentina, so I hope Ronaldo can win it next summer too.”
