LIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo were both dumped out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage this week.
The GOAT rivals were unable to make it into this season’s European quarter-finals and join a host of top stars who have already been sent packing.
Lionel Messi saw Barca crash out to PSGCredit: Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo also tasted disappointment after Juventus were KO’d on away goals by PortoCredit: EPA
Messi’s Barcelona drew 1-1 with PSG with the Argentine great scoring a thunderbolt but also missing a penalty.
The Catalan giants were unable to overcome the 4-1 deficit from the first leg at the Nou Camp when Kylian Mbappe bagged a hat-trick.
Ronaldo’s Juventus were KO’d by Porto on away goals after a 3-2 win at the Allianz Stadium saw the tie finish 4-4 on aggregate.
The former Real Madrid superstar was slammed for his role in the Portuguese side’s crucial third goal after he turned his back in the wall – allowing Sergio Oliveira to score his second on the night.
Ronaldo and Messi lead the line in the team compiled of players who have made early exits from Uefa’s premier comp.
They are joined up front by Marcus Rashford after the England star saw his Manchester United side dumped into the Europa League in the group stage.
Club mate Bruno Fernandes lines up in midfield alongside Welshman and former Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsey who started against Porto for Juve.
Barca’s Sergio Busquets is included along with left-back Jordi Alba.
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RB Leipzig sent United crashing out of the tournament in the group stage but it was another English side in struggling Liverpool who ended the German side’s run.
Last year’s semi-finalists were well beaten over two legs by Jurgen Klopp’s men, meaning stars such as Bayern Munich-bound centre-back Dayot Upamecano will play no further part.
Upamecano is partnered at the back by United target and Sevilla defender Jules Kounde who saw his side crash out to Borussia Dortmund.
Erling Haaland’s brace irked the Spanish side’s players after he screamed ‘unlucky’ in the keeper’s face.
But the unstoppable Norwegian made it four goals across the tie to ensure a 5-4 aggregate win for the Bundesliga outfit.
Chelsea flop Juan Cuadrado lines up at right-back after establishing himself in the Bianconeri starting XI.
Experienced Barca shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen takes the gloves after the Blaugrana’s unsatisfactory early exit.
There are a number of big names that could join the side nobody wants to be a part of next week.
Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez may be heading for the exit if Diego Simeone’s side cannot overturn a 1-0 deficit against Thomas Tuchel’s Blues.
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PSG knock Barcelona and Lionel Messi out of the Champions League
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
