Ronaldo & Messi battle for the most successful debut season

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have had vastly different experiences in their respective new clubs of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. Ronaldo moved to Manchester United from Juventus on transfer deadline day for a fee of £15m. Earlier in the summer window, Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona after 21 years to the French club, Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. Both players have effectively got their season started with their clubs but have experienced different realities. Whilst Cristiano Ronaldo has started with a bang, Lionel Messi has had a rather subdued start without a goal, not an assist.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Impact at Manchester United

The 5-time Ballon d'Or winner enjoyed a dream second debut at Old Trafford when turning out against Newcastle United for his EPL bow this season. The prolific forward scored a brace to announce himself to the Old Trafford fans. So far he has scored 4 goals in 4 matches for Manchester United, with one goal apiece against Young Boys (UEFA Champions League) and West Ham United. 

Lionel Messi's Impact at Paris Saint-Germain

Argentine captain, Lionel Messi made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1 match against Stade de Reims at the Stade Auguste Delaune. The playmaker came on as a second-half substitute but could not influence the match. Games against Club Brugge (UEFA Champions League) and Lyon have followed but the 6-time Ballon d'Or winner is yet to score a goal or make an assist for the Parisian club. 

Who will have a better season? Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?

Though it is too early to tell, Cristiano Ronaldo has moved ahead in the race for the 2021/22 season. At Manchester United, Ronaldo also has quality supporting acts in Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho. With the abundance of attacking talent, the Red Devils possess they will be going out for the English Premier League title and/or the UEFA Champions League. With Ronaldo, they stand for winning silverware this season. 

While Lionel Messi can rely on the trickery of Neymar and the goalscoring abilities of Kylian Mbappe, he would have to make his presence felt at the Parc des Princes through goals and assists. A relatively easier French League means PSG are sure of winning some domestic trophies this season but he would largely be judged on his performances in the UEFA Champions League. It would take just a spark for Messi to return to his previous goalscoring self.