Is a World Cup without Messi or Cristiano possible?
Planet football is worried about the situation of Argentina and Portugal
Messi needs to win in Quito and Cristiano is not yet secured of progress
"A World Cup of football without Messi would be like a basketball one without Michael Jordan," said Angel Cappa in La Graderia. But in Russia next summer there is a chance two of world football's biggest starts will not be there.
Lionel Messi and Argentina are in danger of not qualifying, while there is still a chance Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will not make it either. Neitehr are yet qualified.
Argentina are in a state of alarm after drawing with Peru. They head to Quito to face Ecuador where they must win and hope other results go their way. Portugal are also in a conplex situation. They are second in the group and they face Andorra on Friday with Cristiano Ronaldo as a substitute.
Their key game is on Tuesday against Switzerland, group leaders, in Lisbon. If Cristiano's side win both, they go direct to Switzerland as group winners. If not, it depends on what happens with Switzerland - and they may face the play-offs.
