With Lionel Messi officially no longer a Barcelona player, could he join Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus? Let’s see how this could work.
The unthinkable in a Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi team up for Juventus could happen after Thursday’s bombshell announcement.
Barcelona have confirmed that Messi will not return this summer, ending a 21-year association. Should this be the case, it will be the first time he’ll play outside Camp Nou in his club career.
So, where next for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner?
Moves to even the MLS have been touted as potential destinations for Messi. But staying in Europe with a competitive outfit, like Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City for instance, is the most likely option.
But how about with Ronaldo at Juventus? Rarely do we get to see such a crossover happen in real life. With Messi available as a free agent, though, fans can afford to dream…for now at least anyway.
How could they line-up?
Seeing arguably two of the greatest players in history would be a mouth-watering prospect for anyone.
The pair have been the ruling forces in world football for a long time, shattering countless records. A combined total of 11 Ballon d’Ors and 1,538 goals doesn’t even begin to sum it up.
Both Ronaldo and Messi together would surely assure Juventus of European domination in the upcoming years. But how would they line up together?
4-3-3 formation
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri could adopt a 4-3-3 formation to accommodate the legendary duo Ronaldo could head the attack as a center-forward, with Federico Chiesa and Messi backing him up down the flanks.
4-1-3-2 formation
Juventus have hinted that Allegri plans to partner Ronaldo and Dybala upfront in the attack in the upcoming campaign. The duo could start together in a 4-1-3-2 system, which includes Messi supporting them with assists from behind.
4-2-3-1 formation
Using a 4-2-3-1 formation could be one of the most daring yet rewarding choices for Ronaldo. The Portuguese ace could head the attack again as a center-forward while Chiesa, Messi, and Dejan Kulusevski start right behind him.
Not sure it would work? Ronaldo thinks so!
Some football fans argue that Ronaldo and Messi are incompatible due to their different styles. They say it could even HINDER the team itself.
During an interview with France Football in 2016, however, Ronaldo revealed it would work, especially for his sake.
The Real Madrid legend claimed he would win more Ballon d’Or awards than Messi if they were in the same team!
“It would be interesting to see both of us in the same team,” said Cristiano via Fox Sports.
“I think great players should play together. So if we were in the same team, I think I would have more [Ballon d’Or awards] than him, but he wouldn’t be far off.”