A never ending debate, Messi or Ronaldo ? Across the globe, these two extraordinary footballers have had opinions divided. The Argentine, likened to his fellow countryman, Maradona, both with artistry devilish skills, some say "magic". Messi's small stature aids his center of gravity, enhancing his ability to also twist and turn defenders at will.
Also, the ability to closely control the ball even at top speed, mesmerizing with every single touch, dancing past top level professional defenders like no ones business. So pleasing and easy to the eye, so simplistic. He's a genius and makes you wonder if those professional footballers he comes up against aren't good enough or well skilled or simply can't stop his magic from happening.
On the other side, the Portuguese, Cristiano Ronaldo, well known for his astounding desire to push himself to the limit, to go places and to conquer. First in Portugal, then England, next Spain and now in Italy with Juventus. Ronaldo always in the state of flux, always on the move and wanting for newer challenges.
A man for the big occasions. He relishes such occasions and as well thrives in it, in the limelight too, newspapers as well, he just loves it. So many times his teammates relied on his goals, so many times the former Real Madrid forward came to the party. Just like the Atletico comeback, a divine hat-trick only he can score under such great pressure and intense condition. A saviour for his team at the same time a serial killer, he just eliminates the opposition and shreds their dreams also.
On Tuesday night, both great players played and as usual both scored
Lionel Messi with a brace, his first goal so supreme and simply Messi-like. He registered his name on the scoresheet twice in the opening 20 minutes to kill the contest. After the Argentine's second of the night, the Quarter-finals was all but decided. Manchester United were ruffled, in fact tamed by no one else but the master, the genius Messi, when initially the Red Devils threatened on few occasions just 3 minutes into the game. The away team were energetic, attacked incessantly and as well played with purpose earlier on in the game. Whiles the team from England were on a mission to unnerve and stun the home team, the little magician, Messi, strode quietly into United's defense also on a mission, observing their vulnerabilities.
In fullness of time, Messi noticed one, pounced on Ashley Young's untidy clearance, then nutmegged Fred who lost his balance, found more space and clinically slotted home the opener effortlessly. Few minutes later, he added yet another goal, his 10th of the 2018/19 UCL campaign and United's hope of a comeback was dead in the waters. An emphatic 4-0 aggregate pummeling, ensured Barça broke the jinx of failing to qualify for the semis of the CL three years running.
In Italy, Juventus' only goal came from the maestro, Cristiano Ronaldo, as they surrendered a 1nil lead. The 34-year-old was the only Juventus player to find the back of the net over two games against Ajax. In each leg, he scored first, two identical headers. Unlike Barça, Juve failed to match their opponents boot for boot and never looked like posing any serious menace in both games. Of course, Cristiano remained Juve's only threat, but his two goals weren't enough to fire the Old ladies past a dazzling Ajax side. The Bianconeri lost 3-2 on aggregate, a scoreline so flattering. It could have been much worse with such dismal and lackluster performance from the Italian Champions.
Congratulations to Ajax, they played with guts and cojones having no phobia and qualms whatsoever. They treated Juventus like a piece of cake with an astonishing teamwork. The Old Ladies were schooled the Cruyffain way by Ajax as if to remind the team from Turin that Ronaldo alone can't win games all by himself always, it's a team sport !
Now there's only Messi, but no Ronaldo in the semis. Perhaps the world wouldn't witness yet another thunderbolt of a CL final between the two most decorated players of this era. Their ages wouldn't permit. Maybe next season, maybe not. But for now, this blockbuster remains a dream !
Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi
