Barca Blog

 The Ultimate Showdown: Messi vs. Ronaldo

 Introduction:

In the realm of football, there's no rivalry quite like that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. These two titans of the sport have ignited fierce debates and divided fans with their unmatched skills and unrelenting determination. Strap in as we dive into the epic clash between Messi and Ronaldo, exploring their jaw-dropping stats, awe-inspiring achievements, and the everlasting question: who reigns supreme?

Goal-Scoring Galore:

Messi and Ronaldo aren't just goal scorers; they're goal-scoring machines. Messi's balletic dribbles and clinical finishing have notched over 750 career goals, while Ronaldo's thunderous strikes and aerial prowess have soared past the 800-goal mark. From bending free-kicks to towering headers, these two maestros have rewritten the record books and left defenders in their wake.

Masterclass in Playmaking:

But wait, there's more to Messi and Ronaldo than just scoring goals. Messi's visionary passes and pinpoint assists have set up over 300 career goals, while Ronaldo's knack for creating chances out of thin air has led to over 200 assists. Whether it's a perfectly weighted through ball or a mesmerizing run down the wing, these two wizards can unlock defenses with ease.

Trophy Hoarders:

When it comes to silverware, Messi and Ronaldo have cabinets fit for kings. Messi boasts a treasure trove of La Liga titles, Champions League triumphs, and domestic cups with Barcelona, along with Copa America glory with Argentina. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has conquered England, Spain, and Italy with league titles galore, not to mention his multiple Champions League wins and European Championship triumph with Portugal.

Kings of the Individual Stage:

Individually, Messi and Ronaldo have scooped up more awards than you can shake a golden boot at. Both have claimed the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or multiple times, solidifying their status as footballing royalty. Their ability to consistently dazzle on the pitch has earned them the admiration of fans worldwide and etched their names into the annals of footballing history.

The Verdict:

So, who takes the crown in the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate? The truth is, there's no easy answer. Messi's ethereal skill and Ronaldo's relentless drive have captivated audiences for over a decade, leaving us in awe and craving for more. Whether you're Team Messi or Team Ronaldo, one thing's for sure: we're privileged to witness these two legends grace the beautiful game.

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Joao Felix’s situation will be one to watch this summer. Atletico Madrid have no intention of having him in their squad for next season, but Barcelona – his most likely destination for 2024-25 – do not want to sign him permanently because they feel his asking price is way over the top.

Another loan deal looks the most likely outcome, and that could include an option to make the deal permanent. However, there is also a chance of Felix becoming an official Barcelona player this summer too, as they could get him for nothing, or at least on a significantly reduced fee.

According to Ruben Uria (via Sport), Atleti could lower their demands for Felix if Barcelona agree to give them Robert Lewandowski for free, similar to the situation involving Luis Suarez back in 2020. If the Catalan side adhere, Los Rojiblancos would drastically reduce their asking price for Felix, or give him away for no additional cost.

Atletico Madrid’s interest in Lewandowski appears to be very real, and some members of the Barcelona hierarchy are very keen to part ways with the Polish veteran this summer because of his excessive wages. 

This situation could be one to keep an eye on.

RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is having a satisfactory debut season with the German team, having scored 11 goals and two assists across 34 outings in all competitions.

A few months ago, Barcelona scouts were said to be preparing a report on the 20-year-old’s performance and if a report from Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, they continue to monitor the Slovenian, who has a contract with the German team until 2028.

Barcelona will not rush

As the 2023-24 football season approaches its climax, clubs are already contemplating their strategies for the next season. 

However, Barcelona’s current strategy is a bit different. The club’s sporting director, Deco, remains firm in his stance that it is premature to make any decisions about the future. 

He emphasises that their current focus lies on competing in La Liga and striving for success in the Champions League.

Nevertheless, discussions about potential transfers and squad adjustments are underway across departments of the club and the aforementioned outlet has highlighted that Sesko has attracted attention from Barça and other top clubs.

There is a clause to deal with 

The spotlight falls on Sesko, who happens to have attracted a lot of attention across Europe and interestingly enough, possesses a release clause valued at €50 million in his current contract. 

The outlet affirms that Barcelona do not have the financial capacity to meet his €50 million release clause and on top of that, major clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Arsenal have taken notice of Sesko’s potential.

While speculation mounts about potential transfers, Deco and Barcelona maintain their focus on the remaining challenges of the current season. 

Their priority remains securing victories in La Liga and to pursue glory in the Champions League. As the season reaches its climax, decisions about the future will inevitably be made.

And a call will be made on whether to pursue Sesko or not, especially with speculations surrounding Robert Lewandowski’s future.

The club will head to America once more

Barcelona have confirmed their pre-season tour plans and will face Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan in the United States this summer.

The Catalan giants will fly out at the end of July and play their first game on 30th against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Next up is a trip to the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey for another pre-season Clasico against Real Madrid on August 3.

Barcelona’s final game of the tour is against AC Milan in Baltimore on August 6. After that the team will fly back to the Catalunya to finalise preparations for the new campaign.

The club will have a new manager at the helm for the tour of course. Xavi has already announced his intention to step down at the end of the season.

Barcelona may also be without some key players for the tour as there is a busy summer of international football to look forward to.

Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics are both set to take place, which could see some Barca players miss the tour depending on their international commitments.

                                                   In Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona have unearthed yet another gem from their famed La Masia academy. Just 17 years old, the centre-back is already a regular under Xavi and even put in a Man of the Match display on his UEFA Champions League debut vs Napoli on Tuesday.

Naturally, his explosion has not gone unnoticed for the teenage defender is all set for his maiden call-up to the Spanish national team.

At the same time, clubs from outside are starting to cast admiring glances towards the teenage prodigy.

Arsenal, City, United, Chelsea all interested

Indeed, as per SPORT, Cubarsi is attracting interest from as many as four Premier League bigwigs in the form of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United.

The 17-year-old’s current contract with Barcelona runs until 2026 but comes with only a €10 million release clause, which has alerted the aforementioned Premier League clubs.

Manchester City have already scouted him, with reports in the past indicating that manager Pep Guardiola is a major admirer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea are keeping a close eye on his movements. The Blues’ interest is not entirely new either for they made an attempt to sign Cubarsi before his renewal last year.

Cubarsi dreams of Barcelona

However, signing Cubarsi will be difficult for all the aforementioned clubs as Cubarsi dreams only of succeeding at Barcelona.

At the moment, the 17-year-old is living his dream of playing in the Catalans’ first team. As such, he does not think about anything else than becoming a key player in the team of his heart.

Furthermore, Barça have already communicated to the player’s agents that the intention is to improve his contract.

There is a good understanding between the two parties, so it does not seem difficult to reach an agreement once they sit down to talk. As such, despite the interest from a host of top English clubs, Barcelona have nothing to worry about as far as Cubarsi is concerned.

Furthermore, the Barcelona leadership is aware that the 17-year-old centre-back will receive his first call-up to the national team in two days’ time.

Tremendous rise in stature

It was just around two months that Cubarsi made his first-team debut for Barcelona, as a 16-year-old rising talent with immense potential.

Fast forward to March, the defender, now 17, has become a regular in Xavi Hernandez’s side, made his UEFA Champions League debut this week against Napoli and even put in a Man of the Match display on the night.

Cubarsi’s rapid rise at club level is now set to be mirrored at the international level as well. Reports of De la Fuente considering calling him up to the squad for the international break this month have been doing the rounds for a while.

Now, it appears that the decision has already been made and Cubarsi will be fast-tracked into the Spain senior setup despite his age.

Cubarsi was originally going to be called up to the U-21 national team, but his performance against Napoli has changed things.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are keeping a tight lid on the matter and are not making any statements on the matter.

But the Barça leaders are already taking Cubarsi’s call-up for granted and are internally saying that it is more than well-deserved. “He will be Spain’s centre-back for many years to come,” they say within the club.

Spain will face Colombia (22 March) and Brazil (26 March) during this break, and Cubarsi could very well make his debut as a senior international.