Lionel Messi misses Cristiano Ronaldo: why it was easier to play against Real Madrid before

FC Barcelona lost 3-1 against Real Madrid in the first Clasico with Ronald Koeman as a head coach. For the visitors, Federico Valverde, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric made the defeat possible and Zinedine Zidane side celebrate at Nou Camp after a very disputed game.

Lionel Messi completed a regular match. He gave a key pass for Barcelona's goal but couldn't make the difference at all. Thibaut Courtois saved a very clear chance for the Argentinian, who's goal wasn't possible today. Messi gave 58 correct passes out of 65, touched the ball 98 times and won 19 ground duels.

But it seems that Messi misses Cristiano Ronaldo at El Clasico. The duel was easy for Barcelona's star when Real Madrid had their Portuguese legend. Messi played 44 games against Real Madrid, with a result of 26 goals (all-time top scorer from El Clasico) and 14 assists. For Messi his tremendous rivalry with Cristiano made those games specials.

But, since Cristiano left to Juventus things weren't the same. Messi also wanted to leave during the last transfer window, even though he couldn't, and he is now suffering his present. Barcelona will play next week against Juventus, with CR7 absent do to COVID-19.