Why Ronaldo’s Champions League Record Could Remain Intact After PSG’s Elimination by Bayern Munich

Why Ronaldo’s Champions League Record Could Remain Intact After PSG’s Elimination by Bayern Munich

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:27 PM
In this article:
Cristiano Ronaldo logo
C. Ronaldo
Al Nassr FC logoFPortugal logo
Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
Inter Miami CF logoFArgentina logo
UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA UCL
Europe
  • Bayern Munich eliminated Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League round of 16
  • The elimination denied Lionel Messi a chance to win the trophy one more time in his career
  • It also denied the Argentine a chance to catch up with Cristiano Ronaldo's UCL records

Cristiano Ronaldo is regarded as 'Mr Champions League' for his extraordinary performances and records in the competition during his stay in European football.

The Portuguese star departed the continent in December after his contract at Manchester United was terminated, joining Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in a two-and-a-half year contract worth £170 million per year.

The move left his Champions League records in jeopardy as his closest rival, Lionel Messi, remained in Europe with Paris Saint-Germain - but the Parisians' elimination last night might have preserved Ronaldo's legacy.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr, Lionel Messi, PSG, UEFA Champions League.
Lionel Messi fell short in the Champions League yet again and may not catch Cristiano Ronaldo anytime soon. Photos by Stringer/Chris Brunskill.
Source: Getty Images

Ronaldo's record remains intact

As reported by Mirror UK, Messi could have reasonably broken 13 of Ronaldo's records after the Portuguese star moved to the Middle East, some in the current season and others if the Argentine stays in Europe for a longer time.

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Among four records the 2022 World Cup winner could have bettered this term included most goals, most assists, most penalties, and most trophies.

However, these are currently dust in the wind after PSG were beaten 3-0 on aggregate by Bayern Munich and eliminated from the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, UEFA Champions League, Kiev.
Cristiano Ronaldo lifted his fifth Champions League trophy, his fourth with Real Madrid, in 2018. Photo by Angel Martinez.
Source: Getty Images

Messi linked with move away

Messi will be out of contract with PSG by the end of the season and despite optimism before the World Cup that he would renew his deal, talks have reportedly slowed down with the club.

As reported by Athletic UK, the 35-year-old is wanted by MLS side Inter Miami CF, co-owned by David Beckham, and the league board is willing to relax the salary cap to allow the franchise to sign the star.

The Argentina captain is also attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ittihad willing to pay him $94 mil annually to renew his rivalry with Ronaldo in the Middle East, as reported by Marca.

However, a stay in Europe for FIFA's Best Men's Player cannot be ruled out, with his former club, Barcelona and Manchester City - under Messi's former coach, Pep Guardiola - reportedly interested.

Muller names his UCL GOAT

Sports Brief also reported on Bayern Munich star, Thomas Muller picking Ronaldo over Messi for the player who rules UEFA's ultimate club competition.

The German side has proven to be the architect of most of the Argentine veteran's downfalls in the Champions League.

After helping the Bavarians eliminate PSG last night, he admitted he finds things easier against Messi while Ronaldo always posed a bigger challenge.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.