Interesting similarities between Ronaldo's Euro 2016 and Messi's upcoming Copa America 2019

In the world of football, there is no place for superstitions. But there are some coincidences that we find and like to believe in. Sometimes history repeats itself and sometimes it does not. Yet it is a whole new dimension. When we look at World Cup winners being eliminated in the group stages, there is a part of us telling that it could be a curse.

Another interesting fact comes with regards to El Clasico and the UEFA Champions League. The last five Champions League titles have been shared between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with Madrid winning four out of them. It is an amazing coincidence that while one of them goes on to win the first El Clasico of the season the other wins the Champions League.

So, coincidences do exist. While reading up the football news today, you might have looked at Lionel Scaloni's possible appointment as permanent Argentina coach. Thus like any fan, I wondered. Will this man be able to help Lionel Messi to win an international trophy?

Then, I looked at some astonishing coincidences between Ronaldo's first title with Portugal. Here are five coincidences between Portugal's road to winning Ronaldo's first title and Argentina's road to Copa America 2019.

This is by no means stating that Argentina will win or are favorites for the Copa America. And neither is this a comparison between both teams or players, it is just some facts that are almost identical.

#5 Coming off a poor World Cup campaign

In 2014, Argentina reached the finals of the World Cup with Messi being named their best player. However, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were bundled out in the group stages following a defeat to Germany, a draw and a win against Ghana.

However, Portugal came out on top in their next big competition which was the Euro 2016. Portugal proceeded as one of the 4 best third-placed teams and went on to defeat Croatia, Poland, Wales, and France to lift the Euro 2016. It was Cristiano Ronaldo's first and till now the only international trophy.

Similar to the Portuguese, the Albiceleste had a poor World Cup. Interestingly they had the same result as Portugal in the group stages. A draw, a loss, and a win. The only difference being that Argentina proceeded to the Round of 16, where they were bundled out by eventual winners, France.

To add to it, both were hammered the teams which were the respective finalists in the World Cup. Argentina lost 3-0 to Croatia and Portugal lost 4-0 to Germany.

So, is there a chance?

#4 A change in coaching staff

Scaloni has managed to take Argentina out of crisis but will he lead them to a title win

Following Portugal's dismal exit in the 2014 World Cup, the Portuguese Football Federation showed the exit door to then-coach Paulo Bento. Bento was appointed as coach following a 60% win record at Sporting CP. After giving the sack to Paulo Bento, Portugal appointed Fernando Santos as their new coach in a bid to get the team on track for Euro 2016.

Coming to Argentina, they appointed Jorge Sampaoli as their coach prior to the 2018 World Cup. He boasted a 62% win record with the Chilean National Team. But even his tactics could not do any wonders for Argentina. He went as bad as playing an almost 5-0-5 formation against Croatia, in a bid to win the game after trailing. Argentina showed Sampaoli the door following poor results.

Lionel Scaloni has provided a good result as caretaker coach and is expected to be hired permanently. Another interesting fact coming to Bento and Sampaoli is that they both played defensive midfield positions during their playing careers.

Can Lionel Scaloni do a Fernando Santos? Who knows.

#3 Against all odds

It is a well-known fact that Portugal were by no means a favorite to win Euro 2016. They had to fight through their group against Hungary, Iceland, and Austria to get the draws and finish at third place.

After somehow getting through to the knockout stages, Portugal were still not the odds-on favorite to win against Croatia and Wales. However, they defied odds and proceeded to the finals. In the finals, the home nation France was the favorite, even more after Cristiano Ronaldo was helped off the pitch early. But, Portugal struck late into extra time to seal the deal. Champions, against all odds.

What about Argentina? After their dismal campaign in the World Cup, they will hardly be called the favorites to win. With a new coach and a new look team, Argentina will always be second favorites to Brazil, Uruguay, and even Chile and Colombia. To defy all odds and win a trophy is easier said than done, but it has been done before, hasn't it?

After all, what Argentina lacked in the World Cup was cohesion. They were over-dependent on Messi during the qualifiers, winning just one out of seven or eight games without him. But now, they have played a few under Scaloni, even against a rampant Brazil team. Argentina did not fall to a landslide victory against Brazil.

There is always a chance, always.

#2 A young brigade to support the hardened war generals

Giovani Lo Celso: The young Argentine hope

Portugal's Euro 2016 squad was a mix of youth and experience. With the presence of experienced and world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, Portugal had a good pool of young players. Andre Silva, Renato Sanches, Danilo, Raphael Guerreiro, William Carvalho, all formed a part of the squad.

Out of the young players, Raphael Guerreiro, Cedric Soares, and Renato Sanches were exceptional in the tournament. Raphael Guerreiro finished the tournament with an average rating of 7.45 according to whoscored.com, which is more than that of Cristiano Ronaldo in the tournament.

When we look at the performances of a Messi-less Argentina, we can pick more than a few good performers. Cristian Pavon at the right wing, Paulo Dybala at the #10 role and Lo Celso in the midfield are amazing. Lo Celso reminds a lot of a young Renato Sanches who was awarded the Best Young Player Award. Both are of the same age too.

Ronaldo was not alone in Euro 2016 and possibly Messi too won't be alone in Brazil. Just like Ronaldo, Pepe and Quaresma allowed the youngsters to blend in, maybe Messi, Aguero and Di Maria can too.

#1 The pain of a missed penalty and a poor World Cup campaign

Brazil 2014 was Cristiano Ronaldo's chance to add to his Ballon d'Or collection and also win a major trophy with his country. But he had an abysmal campaign which ended in the group stages. Ronaldo got only one goal and one assist at the World Cup and failed in his dream to lead Portugal to glory.

Coming to Euro 2016, he had to avenge his poor performance in the 2014 World Cup. However, the pain of his missed penalty in UEFA Euro 2004 against Greece still remained. The wounds of Portugal 2004 remained till he heard the final whistle in Stade De France, when finally Ronaldo was successful in winning a trophy with his country.

Lionel Messi's story is similar but more horrific. His agonizing penalty miss against Chile cost Argentina a Copa America title. He was hated in his own country and people called for his death and vandalized his statues. He announced his retirement from International football but took the decision back, being forced by his nation and the 1986 World Cup winning squad.

Dragging his team to Russia, Leo couldn't create any magic in Russia. He finished the World Cup with a goal and two assists to his name.

Now, it is not yet clear if Leo will play for Argentina again but their president Claudia Tapia has assured that their best player will return in 2019. The wounds remain, the pain remains but the will to rectify the mistakes does remain too.

Ronaldo put an end to his international trophy drought in similar circumstances as Lionel Messi. Let us just hope Messi does it too.

Edited by Abhinav Munshi