The Portuguese and Argentine superstars are considered to be two all-time greats, but how have they fared on football's grandest international stage?
Two iconic figures of the modern era have bowed out of another World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi suffering last-16 heartache at Russia 2018.
Quite fittingly for two players to have seen their careers intertwine at various points down the years, their respective exits from a latest international gathering were confirmed on the same day.
Neither was able to find the target as Portugal and Argentina were sent packing, with Uruguay and France proving to be one obstacle too far for even those with 10 Ballons d'Or between them.