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Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo has agreed with his Barcelona counterpart, Ronald Koeman, that it would be wrong to choose the best of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The two best players of the generation will meet for the first time since 2018 after Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus.
A positive coronavirus test in October meant Ronaldo was unable to play in the group’s opener, which was won 2-0 by Barcelona in Turin with Messi scoring a penalty in stoppage time.
Both players are in the final stretch of their careers, but they still have a big influence on their teams and continue to divide opinion on who is better.
Before the game, Koeman was pressured for his opinion, but he refused.
“It’s not nice to say who is better because they are both amazing,” he said.
“I admire both players because they have given us so many beautiful nights with great goals, great titles.”
(Image: AFP / Getty Images)
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And Ronaldo’s coach was equally reluctant to split the two players.
“Koeman was right, it would be wrong to say who is better between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,” added Pirlo.
“They are two phenomena that put glasses on millions of fans. We just have to thank them.”
Juventus need to win by two clear goals to finish at the top of the group, but Pirlo insists that competing hard will be the key to his team’s victory.
He said: “This game is especially important for our growth and self-esteem. Getting there first is important, but what we put on the field is even more important.
“Compared to the first game, we need to improve the non-possession phase and be closer to the midfield and the defensive lines. In the derby [against Torino]We had a completely different attitude between the first and the second half, winning every match. This is the attitude that is part of Juve’s DNA and it should never be lacking ”.
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