Will Ronaldo or Messi beat the odds?

The two best players in the game are still seeking the ultimate reward

MOSCOW - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won a combined nine UEFA Champions League medals, 11 La Liga titles, three English Premier League crowns and a raft of other domestic and continental trophies.

On an individual level, they are the all-time top scorers for their respective national teams and each has won five Ballon d'Or awards.

But there is one piece of silverware that Ronaldo and Messi are yet to win - and it just so happens to be the most coveted prize in world soccer.

That could change within the next six weeks in Russia as these giants of the modern game embark on what will perhaps be their last shot at World Cup glory.

Ronaldo will be 37 by the time the next World Cup comes around in Qatar while Messi, despite being two years younger than his rival, has indicated this might be his last appearance in soccer's global showcase.

As far as individual form goes, both are coming off impressive seasons for their clubs, even if they weren't quite as prolific as in previous seasons.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in 41 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid in 2017-18, including 15 goals in the team's triumphant Champions League campaign. Messi scored 45 goals in 54 games for Barcelona, helping the Catalan side to the Liga-Spanish Cup double.

Their dominance as the world's best players now stretches beyond a decade and is showing no signs of fading. But will the pair's own individual brilliance be enough to carry their respective teams to the summit in Russia?

While Portugal is reigning European champion and Argentina was runner-up in each of its past three major tournaments (2014 World Cup, and 2015 and 2016 Copa America), both teams are arguably in decline.

Portugal, in particular, appears to be over reliant on veterans beyond their prime. The backline will be led by 35-year-old former Real Madrid enforcer Pepe, who is likely to be partnered in the center of defense by either Bruno Alves, 36, or 34-year-old Jose Fonte of Chinese Super League side DalianYifang.

The team also lacks a creative spark in midfield, with 34-year-old Ricardo Quaresma perhaps its best option, despite being used mainly off the bench recently. On the positive side for the Selecao das Quinas, they have shown their fortunes do not hinge entirely on Ronaldo.

Portugal's 1-0 triumph over France in the Euro 2016 final was largely achieved without their star No 7, who was forced to leave the Stade de France pitch after 25 minutes due to an injury.