Barcelona and Juventus face off tonight in what could potentially be the last dance between the icons of this generation- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Take Centre Stage
Barcelona arrive to the final Champions League group game qualified with five wins from five and a maximum 15 points. Similarly, Juventus are also safely through to the knockout rounds with 12 points.
It means that the football duel the world wants to see can take its place in the spotlight once more – the fascinating saga of two of world football’s most celebrated and decorated players.
Two players who have given so much joy to supporters and have connected with football throughout their generation. It is a titanic battle to match Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal.
When these two square off, the world stops. Countless battles between the two in the past in El Clásico contests of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
This eagerly anticipated meeting has been given more attention as it might be the last time we see the two goliaths collide. So savour them while they are around, whichever your favourite is of these modern-day footballing superheroes.
Messi vs Ronaldo: A Celebrated Story
For the first time since May 2018, the attackers will face each other. They have been around for what seems an eternity. Messi making his Barca debut at 16 vs José Mourinho’s Porto in November 2003. Meanwhile Ronaldo made his bow at 17 for Sporting Lisbon in August 2002.
The numbers between them defy belief and have increased the benchmark of what is success to a stratospheric level.
The Argentinian has played 495 times for Barcelona. Remarkably, he has scored in 448 of them. He has racked up six FIFA Ballon d’Or awards with 34 trophies in total.
On the other hand the Portuguese attacker has played 583 times in club football. As remarkable, he has 458 goals. He has five Ballon d’Or awards and 27 trophies to his name.
Messi and Ronaldo: The Fine Wine of Barcelona and Juventus
Messi at 33 is still is a determined player. He might not be the record-breaker of old but still is one of the best currently. This season he has seven goals in 13 games in a mediocre Barcelona side.
While Ronaldo at 35 continues to power on. He has 10 goals in nine games and still a force to be reckoned with.
Both players have successfully adapted to the times and reinvented themselves in a sporting sense- much like the late great musical genius David Bowie. Messi, a winger turned midfield dynamo. Ronaldo a winger turned the hitman striker.
Messi with his trickery and inventiveness vs Ronaldo with his flicks turned goal-getting machine. It is a beautiful clash of styles but both produce a footballing work of art.
Barcelona vs Juventus: Last Time Out
One could be forgiven that actually, a football match will take place, such is the spotlight fixed on two players. In the corresponding fixture between the two teams, it was Barcelona who came out on top 2-0. Goals by Ousmane Dembélé and a Lionel Messi penalty gave the Catalans all thee points. Álvaro Morata will not forget that game in a hurry thanks to an unwanted hat trick of three disallowed offside goals. Ronaldo did not play in that game due to Coronavirus but is back tonight.
It is Barcelona vs Juventus. But really it is Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo. So many chapters created between the two throughout history. Maybe there is one more story to be written in their famous book. If so, enjoy it and savour them while we can.
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