Ronaldo Scores to Top Portugal's Group, Messi Rested by Argentina Before Knockouts Begin

[EdgeLord]

Saturday's final group stage games are delivering the inevitable comparison fodder. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo scored in their final group match against Colombia in Miami Gardens to continue adding to his World Cup tally as Portugal progressed as Group K runners-up behind Colombia. Ronaldo, 41, has been central to coverage since the tournament began despite Portugal having significant quality across the squad under new coach Roberto Martinez. He unveiled a new pair of gold boots at the Golden Boot ceremony earlier in the week.

Argentina, meanwhile, rested Messi for their final group game against Jordan in Dallas. The decision confirms what Scaloni has been signalling throughout the tournament: Messi is being managed carefully across a 39-day competition that could run to the final on July 19. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez will start instead, allowing Messi to be fully prepared for the Argentina versus Cape Verde round of 32 matchup on July 3 in Miami. The Argentina squad depth is sufficient that resting Messi against Jordan does not risk their position as group winners.

The Messi-Ronaldo comparison thread that has run through every tournament since 2006 is alive and well at this one. Ronaldo continuing to play and score at 41 while Messi is being rested at 38 to protect him for the knockouts represents the philosophical difference in how each man and each team is managing the twilight of their international careers. Both are, objectively, still among the most influential players at the tournament.

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