Juventus Boss Pirlo Reacts To Messi vs. Ronaldo Debate Ahead of Clash With Barcelona

Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo agreed with counterpart Ronald Koeman, saying it would not be correct to say who is better between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Italian club’s Champions League clash with FC Barcelona Tuesday.

Pirlo said he was thankful to have witnessed both Messi and Ronaldo dominate soccer. "Koeman was right, it would be wrong to say who is better between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. They are two phenomenons that put on spectacles for millions of fans. We just have to thank them," Pirlo told reporters on the eve of Barcelona vs Juventus at Camp Nou.

Earlier, when Koeman was being drawn into the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate, the Barcelona head coach made it clear that he would rather not be dragged into it. "It’s not nice to say who is better because both are incredible, I admire both players because they have given us so many nice evenings with great goals, great titles," added Koeman.

Ronaldo, who has started eight times in nine competitive matches this season for Juventus, has netted 10 goals in 2020-21, including two goals and an assist in three Champions League appearances. Speaking of the Portuguese legend’s form, Pirlo said he is happy to see Ronaldo in fine form.

"If Cristiano is in good form it means that he is in the right place at the right time and we are good at giving him the ball," Pirlo added in the same press conference.

Meanwhile, Messi has scored seven goals in 13 matches for Barcelona in the ongoing campaign, which includes three goals and two assists in the European premier tournament.

Juventus and Barcelona have qualified for the knockout stage of the 2020-21 Champions League, but the two clubs have had poor starts to their respective league campaigns. Barcelona, placed ninth in the La Liga table, are 12 points behind leaders Atletico Madrid. Juventus, who are in the fourth spot in the Serie A table, are six points behind table-toppers AC Milan.