On October 28 a generation of football fans will for the first time in 9 years watch an El Clasico match without either of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In an era where both are still the most dominant footballers in the sport, it’s hard to come to terms with this fact; perhaps because we have taken their rivalry for granted?
The reality of the beginning of the end to the Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry dawned on football in the summer of 2018 when the Portuguese left Madrid and Spain for Juventus.
Sadly, the first El Clasico of the season, which comes up next week 28 October, will now be without Messi as well.
The 31-year-old Barcelona star fractured his arm during a top of the table La Liga clash against Sevilla on Saturday.
Messi will be out for – at least – three weeks the Catalan club confirmed after the player was examined by club doctors.
This leaves football fans with a Clasico match without the Gods of football, where mere mortals will scrimmage and at least try to make the occasion still live up to its high standards.
