The indifferent performance levels of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at this year's World Cup has brought about the whole 'Messi vs Ronaldo' discussion all over again.
It's as if the two five Ballon d'Or winners have experienced a role reversal from the 2014 World Cup, where Messi was the Player of the Tournament, scoring four goals and dragging his country to a final that they really should have won. Ronaldo, meanwhile, scored once as Portugal crashed out at the group stages.
However, fast forward to Russia and it's been the opposite story thus far - CR7 has notched four, including a stunning hat-trick against Spain, as the Euro 2016 winners picked up four points from two games.
In comparison, Messi missed a crucial spot-kick in the 1-1 draw with Iceland and was anonymous in the 3-0 loss to Croatia last night.
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The tactics from Jorge Sampaoli have been poor, leading to a totally unbalanced Albiceleste side, and it's clearly taking a toll on the Barcelona star.
And perhaps the most striking observation you can make between the two at the World Cup, is their contrasting reactions to their national anthems.
Portugal skipper Ronaldo has looked bursting with pride as he stands next to his goalkeeper, while last night Messi's expression was one of sheer stress and frustration due to the burden placed on him.
Two below-par performances shouldn't bring about this myth that he doesn't do it for his country but it's clear that the team just don't get the best out of him - and while he's thrived under pressure in the past, he's been feeling the weight of a nation on his shoulders.
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Argentina are not out just yet but they are a complete and utter mess at the moment.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Portugal, Argentina, World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid
