FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 group-stage matches in which top superstars will face each other

#1 Lionel Messi vs. Luka Modric (Argentina vs. Croatia - June 21, 2018)

Barcelona v Real Madrid - La Liga — The rivalry continues...

Barcelona talisman, Lionel Messi and Real Madrid icon Luka Modric are two prominent figures in La Liga at the moment. The two superstars were involved in serious battles during the El Clasicos the last term and they are already looking forward to reigniting the rivalry when they face each other in the World Cup in Russia this month.

With Argentina and Croatia drawn in the same group, Lionel Messi and Luka Modric will go head-to-head on June 21 when they lead their respective nations against each in their second game of the competition.

Considering their amazing talents and incredible influence, we can be sure of a classic battle between the two La Liga heroes at the Nizhny Novgorod stadium.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

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Edited by Martin King