After more than two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the two biggest names in professional football.
They are both competing at the 2026 World Cup this summer, which is expected to be their last international tournament.
Now that we have reached the knockout rounds, every game Messi and Ronaldo play could be the last before they retire.
The ticket prices for both Argentina and Portugal’s round of 32 matches reflect their standing as two of the greatest players ever.
The tickets are even more expensive than the first knockout games of two of the host nations (the United States and Canada).
Ticket prices for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup knockout games
According to Ticket Data, the buy-in price for Argentina’s round of 32 match against Cape Verde is $2,717.
Meanwhile, the buy-in price for Portugal’s first knockout round clash with Croatia in Toronto is $1,935.
Both games are cheaper than Mexico vs Ecuador ($2,905) at the Estadio Azteca, the most expensive round of 32 match.
However, both Argentina’s and Portugal’s knockout games are more expensive than those of two of the host nations, the USA and Canada.
The buy-in price for the United States’ game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco is $1,759.
Canada’s next match against underdogs South Africa, in Los Angeles, has the second-cheapest ticket price among the remaining games.
The buy-in price is only $550, likely because most Canadians expected them to be playing at home.
Ticket prices have been a hot topic throughout the World Cup, and that is unlikely to change as we approach the final.
Many football fans will be willing to pay extra to watch the likes of Messi and Ronaldo for the last time.
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