Ronaldo and Messi's contrasting starts: One dream return and one uncomfortable new transition

Posted Tuesday, September 21, 2021 by Marca.com

Cristiano Ronaldo has hit the ground running on his return to Manchester United but Lionel Messi is still adjusting to his new surroundings at Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United's returning hero has scored four goals in three games, but the Argentine cuts a frustrated figure at PSG having not scored in three games showing no signs of his usual brilliance.

The Ronaldo effect at Manchester United

"Ronaldo senses the big moments and is ruthless. He is clinical, has lifted the team and everyone around us," Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said of Cristiano Ronaldo to BBC Sport.

After scoring a brace on his debut against Newcastle, Ronaldo has gone on to net against BSC Young Boys and West Ham.

In every game that he has featured in, Ronaldo has left his mark on the game and been an influential player to those around him.

He is adored by the fans as was seen with the unison in which he celebrated with a packed Old Trafford crowd on his return. The fans and players have created an atmosphere in which Ronaldo can thrive.

A lost Lionel Messi at PSG

Since signing from Barcelona, Lionel Messi has not impacted PSG in the way he would have wanted to.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino subbed his compatriot in the 75' against Lyon on Sunday, 19 September, with the sides level and the player looked visibly annoyed.

This is the most recent sighting of Messi looking unsettled at PSG. When compared to the happiness and success of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, it shows the varying success of two of the greatest players in the game at their new club.

Perhaps PSG could learn from the togetherness at Manchester United, whose players and fans gather around Ronaldo to provide a platform for him to succeed.

Instead the individuality at PSG looks to be holding Messi back from making an impact like that of Manchester United's No.7.