Dylan Bettencourt
It is no secret that superstars Lionel Messi, 33, and Cristiano Ronaldo, 36 are nearing the end of their brilliant careers.
But for the first time in 16 years neither of them will play in the final eight of the UEFA Champions League. This is the first time since the 2004/2005 season, perhaps signalling the end of an era.
The pair have spent the last decade breaking record after record. But this is a record neither of them will be happy to see come to an end.
Ronaldo and his Juventus side were knocked out of the competition by FC Porto on the away goal rule with the score ending in a 4-4 aggregate.
Messi and his Barcelona teammates were ruthlessly knocked out of the competition by Paris Saint Germain in a 5-2 aggregate defeat.
Proof of their domination is how they traded Ballon d’Or awards, the most prestigious award in world football, during the period from 2008 to 2017. Messi has won the award six times and Ronaldo five times, well clear of Frenchman Michel Platini, who won it three times.
Fans of the pair will be dreading the day the two retire. But until then they will no doubt enjoy observing themselves for the last few years of their careers.
Picture source: @DNAIndia
