They will go down as two of the greatest footballers to ever play the game. But one piece of silverware has eluded them - and now only one of them can claim it.
"It's my last World Cup surely. I'm counting down the days to the World Cup," he said.
The rivalry the men have shared throughout their careers has seen them scale previously unmapped heights while also sharing a thirst for both individual and team success.The way both have navigated their careers has embodied two different philosophies, while dealing with an outside expectation of constant excellence.
This comparison at times has seemed to be too much for even Messi to handle, but as Argentina counts down to its first game against Saudi Arabia, the relaxed demeanour of Messi and his teammates - as well as the confidence of coming into the tournament on a 36-game winning streak - has renewed hope that he can finally bring back the one piece of silverware which has eluded him throughout his career.
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