If you told soccer fans a few months ago that arguably the two greatest players to ever play (Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi) were going to both leave their teams this year, internet riots would have broken out. Well, that happened; they left their clubs and the sport is still trying to process it.
Lionel Messi, a lifelong member of the famous F.C. Barcelona, compiled the greatest career a player has had with one club since the legendary Pele scored over 600 goals playing for Santos. Messi’s connection to F.C. Barcelona was so significant that he and Ronaldo’s separate teams ruled over La Liga (the Premier Spanish League) for years. Due to complicated “financial and structural obstacles,” Messi departed from his beloved Barcelona this summer. He has since signed with French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain F.C (PSG).
Cristiano Ronaldo, a pantheon player for the sport of soccer, has also switched teams. The famous footballer left Juventus and the Serie A League of Italy to return to his old squad, Manchester United. Prior to his stay in Italy, Ronaldo battled Messi in La Liga for years, as his super-powered Real Madrid squad fought against the Messi-led Barcelona. He joins the Premier League of England, a global leader for competition and skill. If Ronaldo can compete there for long enough, he might just win a few more trophies.
The significance of the moves is both individual and collective. Personally, both Messi and Ronaldo will have to go out and continue their legacies, but collectively, the power of Spanish soccer has likely dwindled beyond repair for at least a few years. How that will affect markets, leagues, and consolidated groups such as UEFA is unclear yet. However, one thing is certain: If we are ever to see Messi vs. Ronaldo, it won’t be in the famed Spanish match “La Liga.” But if we are lucky, it might just be for a UEFA Champions League trophy.
Image: Diario de la Seirra
