Barcelona vs Juventus: Best pictures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as GOAT rivalry renewed in Champions League

Messi and Ronaldo briefly embraced with one arm behind each other’s back and exchanged a few words before kickoff at Camp Nou.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated after scoring two penalties to lead Juventus to a 3-0 win at Barcelona on Tuesday, one-upping Lionel Messi in the renewal of the head-to-head matchup between the two greatest players of their generation. (Photo | AFP) 

While Ronaldo benefited from errors by Barcelona’s defense, Messi was left to carry the workload for the frustrated hosts. The Argentina forward was unable to beat Gianluigi Buffon on his five shots on target. (Photo | AP)

Messi and Ronaldo briefly embraced with one arm behind each other’s back and exchanged a few words before kickoff at stadium that remains empty because of coronavirus restrictions. (Photo | AP)

Messi tried to rally Barcelona, but another defensive blunder sent Ronaldo back to the penalty spot in the 52nd after a video review alerted the referee that Lenglet had used his hand to swat a ball. Ronaldo’s 14th career goal at Camp Nou put Juventus into first place. (Photo | AFP)

Counting matches with Ronaldo at Manchester United and two friendlies between Argentina and Portugal, Messi and Ronaldo have now faced off 36 times. Messi has won 16 times and Ronaldo 11 with nine encounters ending in draw. (Photo | AFP)

The commanding win in the last game of the group phase let Juventus clinch first place in Group G on a better head-to-head record with Barcelona after both finished level on 15 points. (Photo | AP)

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo challenges for the ball next to Barcelona's Lionel Messi during the Champions League group G at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. (Photo | AP)

With Ronaldo 35 and Messi 33 years old, both stars played like this could be the last time they face off in their illustrious rivalry that enthralled Spain for nearly a decade before Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Serie A in 2018. (Photo | AP)