Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Woeful Euro 2024 and Copa América Despite their unmatched talent and illustrious careers, football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo shared a disappointing statistical record at the recently concluded Euro 2024 and Copa América tournaments. Euro 2024 (Messi) * Argentina crashed out in the round of 16, losing 2-1 to Spain. * Messi failed to score or assist in 4 appearances. * His shooting accuracy was a mere 30%. * He completed only 78% of his passes, his lowest completion rate in a major tournament since 2010. Copa América (Ronaldo) * Portugal finished third, losing to Colombia in the semi-finals and to Argentina in the third-place match. * Ronaldo scored only 2 goals in 6 appearances. * He had the fewest shots per game (3.2) of any player in Portugal’s starting eleven. * His passing success rate was 76%, his lowest in any Copa América tournament. Unwanted Statistics * For the first time in their combined international careers, neither Messi nor Ronaldo scored or assisted in a competitive major tournament (Euro or Copa América). * Their combined goal tally of 2 (Messi 1, Ronaldo 2) was the lowest they have ever recorded in a major tournament played together. * Messi’s average match rating of 6.4 was his lowest in any major tournament since the 2010 World Cup. * Ronaldo’s 7.0 average match rating was his lowest in any Copa América tournament since 2015. Possible Explanations * Age and Physical Decline: Both Messi (age 37) and Ronaldo (age 39) are approaching the twilight of their careers and may not possess the same physicality and sharpness they once had. * Team Performances: Argentina and Portugal did not perform to their full potential, which may have limited the opportunities for Messi and Ronaldo to shine. * Tactical Adjustments: Opposing teams may have employed specific strategies to neutralize Messi and Ronaldo’s influence on the game. Conclusion While their performances at Euro 2024 and Copa América may have been underwhelming, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain two of the greatest footballers of all time. Their legacies will continue to be defined by their extraordinary accomplishments and the indelible mark they have left on the sport.Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, known for their exceptional goal-scoring abilities, faced an unusual drought in the group stages of their respective international tournaments.Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, known for their exceptional goal-scoring abilities, faced an unusual drought in the group stages of their respective international tournaments. At the Copa América, Messi’s Argentina dominated but failed to find the back of the net in his first two matches. Despite contributing an assist in the opener, his conversion rate stood at zero. In the Euro 2024, Ronaldo’s Portugal also struggled in the goal department. While he assisted a goal in the second match, his own scoring attempts were futile. A penalty appeal in the final group game against Georgia resulted in a yellow card for dissent, as his frustration grew. Both Messi and Ronaldo missed out on scoring in the group stages of major tournaments for the first time in their illustrious international careers. However, their teams managed to secure progression to the knockout rounds despite their goal droughts. Argentina, with its impressive group stage performance, will face the runner-up of Group B in the quarter-finals. Portugal, meanwhile, faces a tough test against Slovenia in the Round of 16. It remains to be seen if Messi and Ronaldo can rediscover their goal-scoring touch in the crucial knockout stages of their respective tournaments.Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make a significant impact at the recent Euro 2024 and Copa América tournaments, marking a disappointing end to their international careers. Messi’s Argentina side crashed out of the Copa América in the group stage, while Ronaldo’s Portugal suffered a shock quarterfinal exit at Euro 2024. Both players failed to score a single goal in the competitions, extending their droughts in major international tournaments. Messi’s goal drought now stands at nine games, while Ronaldo has failed to find the net in his last seven matches for Portugal. These statistics have raised concerns about the declining form of the two ageing superstars. Despite their disappointing performances, Messi and Ronaldo remain among the most decorated players in football history. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or a record seven times, while Ronaldo has won it five times. However, their recent struggles have cast a shadow over their legacy, and it remains to be seen whether they will be able to rediscover their former glory.