Contrasting fortunes for Messi and Ronaldo in the twilight of their career
Messi has already netted 12 goals to better last season's tally by one goal
As the career of two legendary footballers, Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, draws to an end, the Argentine who had a season to forget the last term is back to his best while the Portuguese who had a pleasant season last term is struggling.
Messi has already put his inconsistent first year at PSG behind him to rediscover his form this season.
Following Saturday's match against Troyes, Messi has already bettered his figures from last year, having stood out for PSG in this first stretch of the campaign.
Messi has already netted 12 goals to better last season's tally by one goal. Yet, the most striking thing is that eight of these goals have been scored in the last seven games, showing that he is plugged in ahead of the World Cup.
However, what has stood out is the number of assists that he has already managed. After setting up Neymar against Troyes, Messi has recorded as many as 13 assists thus far.
Of those, 10 came in Ligue 1, breaking a new record. Messi has become the first player to reach 10 assists in the first 13 rounds despite missing the match against Reims.
His compatriots should be excited with Messi's performances this term. It is a clear sign that he is willing to be in top shape for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar which will kick off in less than a month.
There are still a few games to go before the upcoming tournament, which means that Messi can further beef up his tally.
Ronaldo on the other hand has branded his return to Manchester United a ‘disaster’ — a new book sensationally claims.
The Portuguese star rejoined United in August 2021 but his time at Old Trafford has been plagued by controversy.
Ronaldo, 37, has scored 27 goals in 51 appearances since rejoining from Juventus.
But he still wants to leave in January after just two Prem starts under Ten Hag, even though he has now been reinstated in the first-team squad.
United finished sixth last term and endured another trophyless season following Rangnick’s appointment after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked.
Ten Hag fined Ron two weeks wages for his Old Trafford strop but recalled him for Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff.
Ronaldo took to social media to explain his actions against Spurs, insisting: “I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams I’ve represented.
“Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.”
