Football Fans Claim Messi Has Not Been the Same Since Hugging ‘Bad Luck’ Ronaldo

• Lionel Messi's dip in form has been traced to his encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo
• In Messi's last two appearances for PSG, the world champion failed to find a spark
• He was rated the least-performing player during his club's draw with Stade Reims

Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of jinxing his rival, Lionel Messi following the friendly match between Riyadh XI and Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.

The friendly, touted as possibly the last time Ronaldo and Messi would share the same field, was eventually won by PSG but it was the Portuguese star who toppled the Argentina captain with his individual performance.

Since then, the 2022 World Cup winner has dipped in form, according to eagle-eyed football fans.

Per their school of thought, Ronaldo - who is enduring a torrid start to life at Al-Nassr - transmitted his 'curse' to the former Barcelona ace and affected his performance.

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Messi's recent sub-par display in PSG's 1-1 draw with Reims has trumpeted the theory of being jinxed by Ronaldo.

Social media users give comment:

@Dontgetsmokedd boldly claimed:

"Messi was trash today."

Another user @Jacuzy6 added:

"Ronaldo is a curse."

@RG__66 argued Messi has failed to spark since coming into contact with Ronaldo:

"Messi has been off since this."

@fullguyman insinuated Ronaldo might have jinxed his rival after they shared a hug:

"Messi hugged Ronaldo and could not even perform against Remis."

A devout Messi fan @ablorh_flora quizzed why the world champion hugged CR7:

"Why did you hug Ronaldo."

Messi's performance against Reims

Messi was the lowest-rated player for PSG in their 1-1 draw against Reims on Sunday evening.

The Argentine genius had a muted display, after being rested for the French Cup game against Pays de Cassel on his return to action, per GFFN.

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He provided the through ball which led to Neymar’s goal, but was otherwise unable to link up with his attacking partners as many are accustomed to.

Messi tops 2022 player list

Sports Brief reported on PSG superstar, Messi being the best footballer of 2022, according to a recent vote.

He had a fantastic season last year, winning the Ligue 1 title with PSG and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.

Messi's exploits have now seen him named the best footballer of 2022, beating a host of other top players to the honour.

Ronaldo trolled with 'Messi' chants

Sports Brief also reported that while Ronaldo may not play in Europe anymore, his rivalry with Messi has followed him to the Middle East.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner could do little for Al-Nassr as they were bundled out of the Saudi Super Cup by Al-Ittihad in an embarrassing 3-1 defeat.

The highlight of the game was off the football pitch however, as Al-Ittihad supporters trolled the Portugal icon with 'Messi' chants at the stadium.