The two players who have dominated world football for the last decade are heading home from the World Cup in Russia, as a dejected Cristiano Ronaldo joins his chief rival Lionel Messi in taking an early exit.
Both Portugal and Argentina were beaten in Saturday’s opening round of 16 games and in both cases, Ronaldo and Messi were overshadowed a PSG player.
Kylian Mbappe, France’s 19-year-old striker, was instrumental in defeating Messi’s Argentina while his clubmate in the French capital, Edinson Cavani, scored the brace which condemned Portugal to defeat.
It would have been an intriguing Messi v Ronaldo quarter final clash had both of their sides progressed but in the end they were of the multiple time Ballon d’Or winners were able to inspire nor drag their teammates to victory.
Both now depart the tournament with sour tastes in their mouths and having extended, perhaps forever, their record of never hitting the back of the net during a World Cup knockout game.
Despite not hitting their expected heights in Russia, the internet has been quick to pay tribute to the duo who have made such a big impression on 'the beautiful game'.
In all seriousness I feel privileged to have seen Messi & Ronaldo play at World Cups.
& of course not winning it has zero impact whatsoever on their legacies.
They’ve made the impossible look possible.
— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) June 30, 2018
Pelé 31
Maradona 33
Zidane 33
Ronaldinho 33
Cruyff 30
Ronaldo (Brazilian) 33are the ages of the all time greats at their final world cups...
Messi’s 31 & Ronaldo is 33
This very well would be goodbye to this generation of the 2 best players of all-time.
Thank you,