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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two superhumans who have dominated modern football like no other. With unparalleled consistency and unbelievable statistics, their ability to decide a football match demonstrates their greatness. Despite their contrasting style, mentality and approach on the pitch, they have been an inspiration to many across the globe.
The two modern greats have broken and made countless records for more than a decade. Both Messi and Ronaldo have shown their extraterrestrial abilities numerous times and continue to do so even in the last chapters of their storied careers. Their scintillating displays have forced a debate between who is the greater among the two, which has been raging on for years.
While there are footballers who have played with both these modern greats, there are some who have missed out despite featuring in the same era. Today, we will be discussing the top five modern legends who never played with Messi and Ronaldo.
Both these greats have been playing the game for almost two decades now. So, we will only be considering retired footballers who played the majority of their career during the Messi-Ronaldo era.
Without further ado, let us take a look at
Top 5 modern legends who have never played for the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi
Special mentions: Andriy Shevchenko, Adriano, Arjen Robben, David Beckham and John Terry.
#5 Didier Drogba
Widely regarded as the ultimate big-game player, Drogba was known for popping up at important moments and deciding matches in the blink of an eye. The Ivorian striker had the ability to put the ball in the net, especially on the biggest stages. At club level, Drogba has a unique record of scoring 10 goals in 10 finals winning 10 trophies.
Since moving to Chelsea in 2004, Drogba became an integral part for the Blues. In his 381 appearances for Chelsea, the Ivorian bagged 164 goals - 104 of them coming in the Premier League. During his tenure at Chelsea, Drogba had also racked up 55 assists in the Premier League and 87 in all competitions.
While Drogba has faced both Messi and Ronaldo a few times in his career, he remains the best forward to have never played with them.
#4 Frank Lampard
Like Drogba, Frank Lampard is another Chelsea legend to have never played with Messi or Ronaldo. With 177 goals and 117 assists in 611 appearances, Lampard holds the record for most goals by a midfielder in the Premier League. The English midfielder has been key to Chelsea's success during his tenure, scoring 211 goals for the club.
Barring his unparalleled statistics, Lampard was known for his domination in midfield. The midfielder was extremely creative, with a knack for scoring goals which made him a massive threat to his opponents.
Lampard has faced Ronaldo and Messi numerous times, yet has never featured alongside them. Lampard and Ronaldo faced each other in the 2008-09 Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester United. Both of them scored as well, only for United to eventually win it on penalties.
#3 Philipp Lahm
Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs of all time, Philipp Lahm has led Germany and Bayern Munich to immense success. Both his club and country have attained great feats under his leadership. This includes a treble with Bayern Munich in the 2012-13 season and the World Cup with Germany in 2014.
The former German right-back was known for his versatility as he was comfortable playing in multiple positions. Lahm excelled in playing on both flanks and he was also used as a defensive midfielder at times. His superior tactical intelligence and technique was praised by great coaches like Pep Guardiola, which left little doubt on his greatness.
During his famed career, Lahm's presence has been a cause of concern for both Messi and Ronaldo. On their way to the 2014 World Cup, Germany faced both Portugal and Argentina with the champions emerging victorious under the guidance of Lahm.
#2 Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is one of the all-time greats for Liverpool. He remains the only footballer to score in the finals of the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League. He was awarded the Man of the Match in 'Miracle of Istanbul', where Liverpool came from three goals down in the 2005 Champions League final. They eventually won against Milan on penalties to win their 5th Champions League title.
The central midfielder spent the majority of his club career with the Merseyside club. During his 17 seasons with Liverpool, Gerrard won two FA cups, three League cups and one Champions League title among other accolades. Gerrard made 710 appearances for the Reds, bagging 186 goals and 150 assists in his storied career.
Gerrard remains one of the best players to have never featured alongside Ronaldo and Messi.
#1 Andrea Pirlo
In over 493 matches in the Serie A, Andrea Pirlo has 58 goals and 89 assists in the league. However, these numbers fail to justify the genius of Pirlo, who was the best deep-lying playmaker of his generation.
Pirlo was an integral part of the all-conquering Milan side in early 2000s, ultimately spending 10 seasons at the San Siro. The Italian's majestic displays helped Milan win two league titles and two Champions League titles, among other notable accolades during his tenure. After moving to Juventus in 2011, Pirlo won four Serie A titles consecutively with the Old Lady.
Pirlo's ability to dictate games from midfield was extra-ordinary. It goes without saying that Messi and Ronaldo would've only benefited from a genius like Pirlo alongside them.
