Aftermath of Russia 2018: Messi and Ronaldo set to make first international appearances for countries

From Left: Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal - Getty

Argentina's Lionel Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo are both set to make their first appearances for their countries since the 2018 World Cup in Russia.


Messi will start for Argentina in Friday's friendly against Venezuela in Madrid while Ronaldo will be in Portugal's squad as they slog it out with Ukraine in their first Euro 2020 qualifier in Lisbon.

Both star players have missed six international games since the 2018 World Cup.

Without Ronaldo, Portugal reached this summer's Nations League semi-finals.

The 34-year-old has scored 85 goals in 154 international games and could also play in Portugal's game in Serbia on 25 March.

Portugal defender Joao Cancelo said, "Cristiano adds quality to any team."

"It's a pleasure to play with him and he's very important for us."

Messi, 31, has scored 65 goals in 128 international appearances and, while he is set to play at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium, Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, Chelsea's Gonzalo Higuain and Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi are not in the squad.

As regards Messi's return, Lionel Scaloni, Argentina Boss said: "It's a joy for me and for everyone that he's back - we're all very happy."