Having once been a relatively unknown player during Christophe Galtier’s tenure, Vitinha, who was Lionel Messi’s teammate before Messi left for Inter Miami, has now firmly positioned himself as a vital presence within the PSG squad. Vitinha has played with both Cristiano Ronaldo, on the National Team and Lionel Messi at PSG. Hence, a number of great characters to learn from. On the other hand, Lionel Messi has been a great inspiration to younger players.
The likes of Enzo Fernandes, Pedri and Gavi of Barcelona have drawn from the Messi’s wealth of experience and knowledge of the game. Hence it is a doubt that a youngster like Vitinha would engage in a mess with the veteran. Recently, Vitinha himself has now openly rebutted the impression that there was a burst-up between himself and the GOAT.
Vitinha dismisses French press report regarding Messi
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both have 12 Ballon d’Ors between them. Both players have played in the UEFA Champions League with at least one decade of exceptionally excellent performance. Ronaldo and Messi are not featured in this year’s Champions League, but they still hold the record of the highest goalscorers in the competition with 140 goals from Ronaldo and 129 goals from Lionel Messi.
Rumours have it that during Lionel Messi’s time at PSG, there was a heated burst-up between him and Vitinha. According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, the burst-up resulted in a heated altercation in which Lionel Messi was allegedly heard saying to the midfielder, “Not only are you bad, but you’re also hurting me.”
The criticism did not go down well with Vitinha, who was on the verge of departing Parc des Princes. However, he had a change of heart after a persuasive conversation with his fellow countryman, Danilo Pereira, who managed to convince him otherwise.
In his response to the criticism, he stated it is ‘completely false’ and added, “I don’t usually comment on anything in the press, but this time I have to say it. It is completely false that this happened.”
On another occasion, Vitinha praises Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, his National Team teammate, saying, “There are far more things that unite them than things that separate them. They each have their own way of playing and their own characteristics, but the things that unite them are immense. The will to always want more, without taking into account what they have already earned, is part of it.”
Messi, Ronaldo absent from UCL for the first time since 2002/03
The UEFA Champions League is back in full swing, featuring thrilling moments with goalkeepers scoring last-minute equalizers, Manchester City’s comeback win against Red Star Belgrade, Manchester United and Bayern Munich scoring seven goals already in their first group stages encounter, and many more.
However, all of these thrilling moments occurred without either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in the picture. Two of the most renowned forwards of their generation, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have crossed paths on the pitch a total of 36 times, representing both their respective clubs and national teams.
In these encounters, the Argentinian has emerged as the victor more often, boasting 16 wins compared to Ronaldo’s 11. Messi has also edged ahead in the goal-scoring department, netting 22 goals to Ronaldo’s 21. Notably, six clashes occurred within the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a true Champions League legend, scored in 93 different UCL matches, recording 140 goals. The 38-year-old Portuguese may no longer play in the Champions League, but he still holds the record of the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
Lionel Messi also lays claim to a unique record within the competition. He has etched his name as the second-highest scorer in the annals of UEFA Champions League history, amassing a remarkable total of 129 goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are now 38 and 36 years old, playing in Saudi Arabia and Inter Miami, respectively.
