No Messi vs. Ronaldo: Juventus Star Is COVID-19 Positive Ahead of Barcelona Game

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 again and will not be a part of the Juventus side that is set to host Lionel Messi-led FC Barcelona in the Champions League next week.

Ronaldo, who first contracted the virus while on Portugal duty last week, was once again tested Wednesday. His latest positive result meant Ronaldo has now missed UEFA's clearance deadline, ruling him out of the Champions League clash between Juventus and Barcelona in Turin, as reported by Spanish publication Diario AS.

Ever since the 35-year-old Ronaldo has tested positive, he has been self-isolating and has already missed at least two games for the Bianconeri. Ronaldo is also set to miss Juventus’ upcoming Serie A game against Verona.

Juventus had done everything they could to ensure the Serie A champions had Ronaldo in their attack against Barcelona.

Earlier, it was reported Juventus submitted the paperwork well in time to get clearance from Upap – the UEFA body in charge of certifying players to play games – informing that Ronaldo was in good health and had been asymptomatic since Day 1 of being COVID-19 positive.

With five Champions League titles under his belt, Ronaldo is one of the most successful players in the tournament and Juventus wanted to use his experience to help them end their 24-year wait for the prestigious European trophy.

Having built a legendary rivalry over the last decade or so, Messi and Ronaldo have not come face to face on the pitch since the Portuguese forward switched from Real Madrid to Juventus in the summer of 2018.

Juventus got off the mark in the 2020-21 Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv Monday, courtesy of a brace from Alvaro Morata. The 27-year-old Morata moved from Atletico Madrid to Juventus at the latest summer transfer window.

Even Barcelona started off their campaign with a win over Ferencvaros. Messi’s Barca thrashed the Hungarian club 5-1 at home Tuesday.