LIONEL MESSI will face off against Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time EVER in the Champions League group stages.
The draw for this season’s elite football competition took place in Geneva.
Lionel Messi will go up against his big rival Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Cristiano Ronaldo will get another chance to prove he is the GOATCredit: Rex Features
Juventus were the first to be drawn into Group G, with Barcelona the second team to be placed in there.
Ronaldo has continued his stunning goalscoring form since he joined Juve from Real Madrid for £88million in July 2018.
Messi, meanwhile, has decided to stay in Spain with Barca – but that nearly ended this summer.
The Argentine handed in a transfer request after being left fuming with troubles on and off the pitch.
It is believed his team-mate and best friend Luis Suarez being told to leave was one of the final straws.
The former Liverpool striker completed a £5,5m move to LaLiga rivals Atletico Madrid.
Messi, however, withdrew the request and agreed to stay at Barca for one more year, after which he will be available on a free.
Manchester City and former Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola were believed to be keen on sealing what would have been a sensational transfer.
But now the Champions League draw has pitted two of the footballers many believe to be the greatest of all time, or GOAT.
Ronaldo has won the Champions League FIVE times, one more than great rival Messi.
Four of the Portuguese’s wins were with Real Madrid, the other being with Manchester United in 2008.
Ronaldo is also ahead of Messi when it comes to Champions League goals.
The 35-year-old is on 128, with Messi on 114. The two are miles ahead of Real Madrid and Spain legend Raul on 71 in the all-time list.
The two have faced each other 33 times in total – and it is Messi who holds the bragging rights on this.
Messi has 15 wins to Ronaldo’s nine, with nine draws. Messi has also scored more goals when playing against Ronaldo, with 21 to CR7’s 18.
Dynamo Kiev and Ferencvaros make up the rest of Group G.
Lionel Messi becomes football’s second BILLIONAIRE as Barcelona star pips Cristiano Ronaldo in Forbes’ rich list
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
