Rivalry 2.0 starts: Cristiano Ronaldo scores landmark goal ahead of Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the starting line-up for Manchester United in the Matchday 4 clash against Newcastle United at the Old Trafford. The 5-time Ballon d'Or winner is making his debut for Manchester United for the second time in his career, after re-joining the Red Devils during the summer transfer window for a fee of £13m from Juventus. The Portuguese forward has gone straight into the first 11 of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the club.

This era will start another rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as both players are now again fully in the public eye. Lionel Messi also completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer and has since made his debut for the French side in Ligue 1 match against Reims. Now playing for very competitive teams, though in different leagues, the two players will strive to outdo each other. 

Cristiano Ronaldo just might have drawn the first blood of the two. The former Real Madrid forward needed just 47 minutes into his second term with the club to open his scoring account with the club. The 36-year-old was at the end of a swift attacking move to put the Red Devils one goal ahead of Newcastle United at the Old Trafford. This means he has now scored a debut goal for United for the first time in his career. 

This landmark goal also means he has beaten Lionel Messi to a new record, getting on the scoresheet for his new team first and on his debut. Lionel Messi has played for Paris Saint-Germain against Reims but could not find the back of the net on the occasion. The Argentine also started the home game against Clermont and as of this time, he has not scored there yet. The rivalry has entered a second instalment and Cristiano Ronaldo is the first to draw blood.