We might witness something awkward, disappointing and overwhelming by 2018. As we all know the greatest sport event is just around the corner, we have less than a year to go before the start of the World Cup 2018 (Russia). But a World Cup without two certain individuals who have ruled the footballing world for 10yrs and don't look like stopping anytime soon would feel weird and disappointing. The two certain individuals are none other than L.Messi and C.Ronaldo who risk not qualifying for the world event in Russia by 2018.

Messi and His Team Goalscoring Drought

Image credits

A team consisting of world-class forwards is surprising that they lack the necessary firepower to beat teams. A team that has Aguero one of the finest strikers in EPL, Higuain and Icardi one of the best in the Serie A not forgetting Dybala, we have Messi who is one of the best players ever to grace the football pitch and Di maria a fine elegant winger who can pull all kinds of trick. One must wonder how they are struggling to qualify for the World Cup event. Messi and his teammates have no excuse to give simply because they are one of the best national teams. But they have performed horribly which one might wonder if it was the managers in charge or lack of team cohesion. With a match to go for them to qualify, Messi and his teammates could still qualify for the world cup automatically or through the playoffs but they would need a win against Ecuador. Argentina have tended to struggle when playing at altitude. Ecuador are notoriously renowned for having one of the strongest home records in international football due to opposition teams struggling to adapt to playing in such unique conditions. Ecuador's ground in the capital is situated 9,127 feet above sea level - although there is a suggestion that teams could be starting to adapt as Brazil, Chile and Peru have all won there in this campaign. But other results would have to go their way if they wanna qualify automatically or through the playoffs in which they face New Zealand who apparently didn't pick any point in the last Confederations Cup showpiece.

The Pressure would be on Messi and his men.

Would they be able to handle the pressure.
If not, a World Cup without Lionel Messi will become a reality.

Image Credits

C.Ronaldo and his Euro 2016 Champions

Image Credits

Yes, the reigning European Champions captained by one of the planets greatest player C.Ronaldo. They also face the prospect of missing out on the big event in Russia 2018 but their situation isnt as tricky as Argentina's own by the way. Portugal face leaders Switzerland in a final showdown of who finishes top of the group and grabs the automatic qualification spot. Portugal are already in the playoffs irrespective of the result against Switzerland. But the playoffs could contain teams that would be tough to beat like the likes of Italy who are also in the playoffs spots. Switzerland currently leads Portugal by 3pts which was the game Portugal lost to them at the start of the qualifiers. Portugal though do have young players coming into the ranks and established players like the likes of quaresma , nani and carvalho to lead them to Russia and not forgetting C.Ronaldo currently joint top highest goalscorer for the European qualifiers. C.Ronaldo has been inspirational for his team coming off the bench to help them win their last match against Andorra and keep their hopes of sealing the top spot alive.Portugal will qualify as group winners if they beat Switzerland on Tuesday. Switzerland will travel to Portugal with a three-point advantage, but Portugal have a better goal difference. If Portugal go to the playoffs they could be paired with a daunting task of beating a top team like Italy.

The Current Ballon D'or Holder and FIFA Best player not in the World Cup, Would be shameful, disappointing and sad. The World Cup needs the best of the best on display

Image Credits

@originalworks