Pachuca and Leon are at risk of not participating in the Club World Cup because FIFA prohibits multiple ownership and this would leave a space that could be occupied by Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, in order to give the soccer world the last dance between the Portuguese and Lionel Messi, who will be with Inter Miami.
The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest and most exciting soccer has ever seen. For more than a decade, these two giants of the sport have dominated the global soccer landscape, offering a unique spectacle and raising the level of the game to unprecedented heights.
Why this rivalry?
- Similarities and differences: Both players shared an unbridled ambition to win, exceptional technical ability and an innate goalscoring instinct. However, their styles of play were different: Messi, more creative and elegant, and Cristiano, more powerful and physical.
- Absolute dominance: For more than a decade, Messi and Cristiano took turns winning major individual awards, such as the Ballon d'Or, and led their teams to national and international titles.
- El Clasico: The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Messi and Cristiano's teams respectively, further intensified this individual competition.
- Media: The media fueled this rivalry, constantly comparing the two players and generating enormous expectation for each clash.
What did this rivalry entail?
- It raised the level of soccer: The competition between Messi and Cristiano pushed both to constantly surpass themselves, which benefited soccer in general.
- It generated enormous passion: Millions of fans around the world were divided between Messi and Cristiano's followers, which generated great passion and excitement in every match.
- It marked an era: This rivalry marked an era in the history of soccer and will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time.
How has the rivalry evolved?
Over the years, the rivalry has evolved. Both players have aged and changed teams, but their legacy remains indelible. Although they no longer face each other as often, their influence on the game remains enormous.