UCL: No Ronaldo and Messi in the quarterfinals marks the end of an era

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the world’s best players, won’t be playing in the Champions League quarterfinals. Does it mark the end of an era?

The Champions League quarterfinals will not feature either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. That two of the planet’s best players won’t be competing for the world’s biggest club championship is the clearest sign that there could be a changing of the guard when it comes to international soccer.

Ronaldo and Juventus were stunned Tuesday by Porto in the round of 16, followed just 24 hours later by the elimination of Barcelona and Messi against Paris Saint-Germain. Ronaldo was the protagonist in his side’s defeat. In extra time, Sergio Oliveira hit a low shot that traveled through Ronaldo’s legs and past a diving Wojciech Szczesny for the goal.

The home-and-away series ended 4-4, but Porto advanced after scoring more road goals. Ronaldo’s signing in 2018 from Real Madrid for $117 million (now the sixth-most expensive transfer of all time) was meant to help the Italian champions win the Champions League. For the third straight year, Ronaldo and the Turin-based club have not made it past the quarterfinals.

Barcelona, like Juve, were also bounced from the tournament just seven months after it seemed that Messi would be leaving the Catalan club. It was only a decade ago that Barca were considered a model club. Instead, the team has faltered in recent years. Messi re-signed with the club last summer through this year. It is largely believed that Messi will leave the club at the end of this season.

Yes, the early elimination of both Ronaldo and Messi could mark the end of an era for the international game. With Ronaldo and Messi no longer contesting for the title, all eyes are on PSG striker Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman scored a hat trick in the first leg and added another in the return leg on Wednesday in a 5-2 aggregate win.

The other starlet to keep an eye on Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund. He continues to break records as the Bundesliga side aims to win the title.

Indeed, no Ronaldo and Messi could mark the end of an era. But Mbappe and Haaland have the talent and skill to ensure that there’s no lack of drama in the Champions League over the next few months.