(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Mahmoud Elmazaty
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The Peninsula Online
Doha, Qatar: As the knockout stages of Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024 get underway, two of football's greatest legends, Cristiano ronaldo and Lionel Messi, have notably failed to score in the group stages, leaving fans wondering if it marks the end of an era for the duo who have dominated football for the past 20 years, winning a combined 13 Ballon d'Or awards.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Unprecedented Group Stage Drought
For the first time in his career, Cristiano Ronaldo did not score in any group stage match of an international tournament.
Ronaldo has always found the net during group stages, including UEFA Euro 2004, the 2006 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2008, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2012, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2016, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2020.
During Portugal's group stage matches in Euro 2024, Ronaldo opted to assist his teammate Bruno Fernandes rather than score himself, which still highlighted his pivotal role in the team's strategy. Portugal topped their group and is set to face Slovenia in the round of 16.
Ronaldo has been instrumental in Portugal's international success, helping his country win the UEFA Nations League in 2018-2019 and the European Championship in 2016.
Lionel Messi's Quiet Copa America Group Stage
Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, also failed to score during the group stage of Copa America 2024, marking the third time in his career he has been scoreless in the group phases of major international tournaments.
He has previously scored in the group stages of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 Copa América, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2019 Copa América, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, he did not score in the 2007 Copa América and the 2010 FIFA World Cup group stages.
Messi did provide one assist in the two matches he played against Canada and Chile but was rested for the third game against Peru due to an injury.
Argentina, the defending champions, advanced as group leaders and will face Ecuador in the quarterfinals.
At 37, Messi's international trophy cabinet includes the Copa America 2021, the FIFA World Cup 2022, and the Finalissima 2022, along with an Olympic gold medal in 2008 and a U-20 World Cup trophy in 2005.
Reflection on an Era
The absence of goals from Ronaldo and Messi in this year's group stages of their respective tournaments has led fans worldwide to ponder if this signals the end of their era. As both players approach the latter stages of their careers, they leave behind a legacy filled with unforgettable moments and unparalleled achievements in football.
While their peak playing days may be nearing an end, their impact on the sport will resonate for generations.
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