Cristiano Ronaldo can lead Portugal to Euro 2024 glory in Germany (Picture: Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the greatest footballers of the modern era and can boost their legendary legacies by winning major championships in the next four weeks.
The dynamic duo have won countless trophies with their clubs, they’ve amassed a combined 13 Ballon d’Ors andtriumphed on the biggest stages with their countries – Messi lifting the last World Cup with Argentina in Qatar while Ronaldo won Euro 2016 with Portugal.
Both are deep into the twilights of their remarkable careers and will be driven to head into retirement with one last huge hurrah.
Euro 2024 looks wide open with England and France the hot co-favourites to win the tournament.
It’s understandable why they lead the betting market as the Three Lions reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals before being Euro 2020 runners-up, while Les Bleus won the World Cup in Russia and were then runners-up in Qatar.
But their prices are too short, especially as they could meet in the semi-finals in Dortmund. That potential July 10 showdown makes them too short with England no better than 4/1 with Betfred and France the same price across the board.
So where’s the value? No country has won successive European Championships since Spain retained the title in 2012, which doesn’t bode well for defending champions Italy, and no host nation has celebrated in front of their own fans since France triumphed in Paris in 1984. Sorry, Germany.
Belgium are in the same boat as England, blessed with a frightening attack but a questionable defence, Spain and the Netherlands lack a little bit of extra quality and no outsider has won the Euros since Greece in 2004, leaving Portugal with a whopping chance at a decent price.
Lionel Messi and Argentina can defend the Copa America title (Picture: Getty Images)
Roberto Martinez, who did very well in charge of Belgium, has a squad filled with riches at his disposal. CR7 is Portugal’s shining star with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Diaz, Joao Felix and Ruben Neves featuring in a dazzling supporting cast.
They should cruise through a group containing Turkey, the Czech Republic and Georgia and slide into the other half of the draw to England and France with a much easier path to the final.
All things considered, Portugal are a cracking each-way bet at 15/2 with Paddy Power, Betfair, Betway and Sky Bet.
Argentina also boast a stacked squad and are 7/4 with multiple firms to successfully defend their Copa America crown this summer, while Brazil’s Vinicius Junior is 9/2 to be the tournament’s top goalscorer.
• Italy, France, Belgium, and Portugal to win their groups pays a smidgeon under 10/1 with Sky Bet, while Georgia, Slovenia, Poland and Slovakia to finish bottom of their sections is 11/1 with Paddy Power and Betfair.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is 20/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair and bet365 to be the player of the tournament, while Jude Bellingham is 3/1 with the same firms and Bet Victor to be the best young player.
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