Lionel Messi: Latest Chapter in Rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo Will Be Memorable

The rivalry between Barcelona striker Lionel Messi and Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been phenomenal over the years, and the latest chapter on Thursday will be another battle to remember.

They are the two best players in the world, and lead their teams in the same competitions each year. On Thursday, the two stars will battle in the 2012 Spanish Super Cup at the Nou Camp, where both players will have something to prove.

In the last four matches between Madrid and Barcelona (two Copa del Rey matches, two league matches from last season), Messi has scored zero goals while Ronaldo has scored three. The Portuguese forward also scored the match-winner in the final league game between the two teams that pretty much sealed Madrid's La Liga title.

Before these matches, it was Ronaldo who was struggling to not only find the back of the net in this rivalry, but actually play well.

Now Messi is the star underperforming in these recent El Clasico matches, and his attempt to remind us that he is the best player in the world will be awesome to watch.

Ronaldo also has something to prove in this Super Cup fixture. Messi's three goals and assist helped Barcelona win this fixture last season and capture its first trophy of the 2011-12 campaign.

The Madrid star had just one goal over the two legs, and wasn't a huge factor in the fixture. He will want to make up for that performance and dominate on Thursday to help Los Blancos defeat their arch rivals.

Since both Messi and Ronaldo have something to prove in this Super Cup match, there's no question that this chapter in their legendary rivalry will be one to remember.

Both are ultra competitive, and want to take the spotlight from the other. With the world watching, the two best players on the planet will put on a show on Thursday night in Barcelona.

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