Reflecting on what might have been the final Messi vs. Ronaldo showdown

Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty ImagesWhile the order can be disputed (although not for Barca fans), few can argue that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the best players of all time, and they have dominated the footballing world for the past 15 years.

Messi with 712 goals, Ronaldo with 752 (the Argentine with 200 less appearances). Messi with 34 trophies, Ronaldo with 27; Messi with six Ballon d’Ors, Ronaldo with five.

Over the years, we’ve seen some memorable clashes between the two, not least the 2009 Champions League final, where Messi scored what he believes is his best-ever goal. Of course, there’s also the 5-0, the incredible solo goal in the Champions League semis, that…