Messi, Ronaldo pose together in iconic chess photo

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were captured in one of the most iconic sporting images of the year ahead of the World Cup.

According to GOAL, Messi and Ronaldo have combined forces to release one of the coolest photos of 2022. The two legendary players are pictured together playing chess with both locked in concentration about what their next move should be.

The pair are widely considered some of the greatest players of all time, with many ranking them as the top two and finding it difficult to split. With the World Cup on the horizon, many believe it is Messi and Ronaldo's last chance at getting their hands on the trophy, being aged 35 and 37 respectively.

Both kick off their World Cup campaigns in the coming days. Messi and his Argentina teammates take on Saudi Arabia on November 22, while Ronaldo and Portugal face Ghana on November 24.