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Messi and Ronaldo's goalless runs in the group stages of Copa America and Euro 2024 highlight why even the greatest players struggle when it matters.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of football's greatest icons, have encountered unexpected challenges in the group stages of their respective international tournaments this season, failing to score goals despite their prolific reputations.
For Messi, leading Argentina in the Copa America, the superstar has yet to find the back of the net, although he did contribute an assist to Lautaro Martinez in a dramatic late effort against Chile.
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19:38 - 30.06.2024
EURO 2024: England snatch win from the jaws of defeat thanks to Bellingham wonder goal
England came back from a goal down to defeat Slovakia 2-1 and book their place in the quarterfinals of EURO 2024.
Despite his creative influence, Messi's scoring drought in the group stage has been notable, contrasting with his usual scoring prowess.
Messi then got ruled out for their third round of Copa America with a hamstring injury but Argentina still went ahead to win that match 2-0 thanks to Martinez.
Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo, representing Portugal in the European Championship, has also struggled to score in the initial matches of the tournament.
![[Watch]: Jude Bellingham's incredible bicycle kick to draw England level against Slovakia](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/30062024/a88e6fda-4ff2-4400-b17b-97ae05e30431.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
19:11 - 30.06.2024
[Watch]: Jude Bellingham's incredible bicycle kick to draw England level against Slovakia
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham was the hero as England escaped from a shock defeat to Slovakia in their EURO 2024 round of 16 clash.
Ronaldo managed to provide an assist to Bruno Fernandes in Portugal's convincing 3-0 victory over Turkey in the second round of the group stage.
However, the Portuguese talisman has not been able to add to his goal tally personally, facing stout opposition defences.
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11:05 - 01.07.2024
Copa America: Hosts USA aiming for pride & direct entry to knockout stages with a win over Uruguay
Despite coming from a loss, the United States will be aiming high as the hosts
These uncharacteristic scoreless runs for Messi and Ronaldo highlight the unpredictable nature of football and the challenges even the best players can face on the international stage.
Despite their teams' successes and advancement to the knockout rounds, both players will look to break their respective goal droughts as they aim to lead Argentina and Portugal deeper into the tournaments.
As the competitions progress, all eyes will be on Messi and Ronaldo, waiting to see if they can rediscover their scoring touch and contribute to their teams' pursuit of glory in the Copa América and European Championship, respectively.
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