As the world gear to see two gladiators, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo meet during the Barcelona-Juventus UEFA Champions League clash tonight, the Catalan club has taunted the Portuguese start on social media.
Both teams have qualified, but the match could decide who tops the group. Ronaldo was not able to play in the first leg as he was recovering from COVID-19.
He will now have the time to face his long time competitor in his territory. Messi and Ronaldo are familiar with each other as both have shown their mettle in the Spanish El-Classico, especially.
As expected Barcelona took to their Instagram page to taunt Ronaldo and wrote: ‘Messi is the GOAT.’
This is the first time they will be facing each other since Ronaldo left Real Madrid to join Juventus in summer 2018.
The post could also be said to celebrate the reunion. Although there is a detail that is making people talk on social media.
The stars were shown sitting on piles representing their achievements during their careers. There is a mirror behind them but only Messi’s has the written ‘GOAT’ on it.
Several fans have been commenting on the social media posts discussing which one of them is the ‘Greatest of all time.’
Barcelona v Juventus: Who is the real GOAT between Ronaldo and Messi?
Ronaldo will be looking for his first Champions League goal against Barcelona. He has been going head-to-head in football with Messi for over a decade and their magnificence at the very top of the game means both are firmly in the GOAT category.
The rivalry seems to have reduced since Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid in 2018, but they can still come up against one another in the Champions League.
Now is the time as Barcelona and Juventus were drawn together in the 2020-21 edition of the tournament. So many fans are already excited by the prospect of another showdown.
Here are stats that shows the achievement of both players.
| Player | Champions League titles | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 5 | 2007-08, 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 |
| Lionel Messi | 4 | 2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2014-15 |
Champions League top scorer awards between Messi and Ronaldo?
| UCL season | Top scorer | Goals scored |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 8 |
| 2008-09 | Lionel Messi | 9 |
| 2009-10 | Lionel Messi | 8 |
| 2010-11 | Lionel Messi | 12 |
| 2011-12 | Lionel Messi | 14 |
| 2012-13 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 12 |
| 2013-14 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 17 |
| 2014-15 | Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi | 10 |
| 2015-16 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 16 |
| 2016-17 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 12 |
| 2017-18 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 15 |
| 2018-19 | Lionel Messi | 12 |
Who has scored more Champions League goals between Ronaldo and Messi?
| Player | Goals | Games | Goals-per-game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 132 | 173 | 0.76 |
| Lionel Messi | 118 | 146 | 0.8 |
How many times have they played against each other in the Champions League?
Ronaldo has not been lucky each time he played directly against Messi. They have faced off in the Champions League on five occasions, with Messi coming out on top twice. Ronaldo only recorded one win – which was during his stint with Manchester United.
Ronaldo is looking for his first Champions League goal against Barca but Messi has scored three against Real Madrid while Ronaldo was on the pitch. This includes a double in the Clasico Champions League semi-final in 2011.
