No Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo as PSG & Man United redraw different opponents in UCL

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw had gotten netizens thrilled as Lionel Messi's PSG was set to face Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United. The Messi vs Ronaldo battle has always gotten fans excited since their days at La Liga for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

As soon as the UCL draw was revealed, several netizens took to social media to explain how they were looking forward to another Messi vs Ronaldo showdown.

Netizens excited to see Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo showdown

Another Twitter user called the Messi vs Ronaldo battle a 'game of death' as the two European heavyweight clubs, PSG and Manchester United, is set to take on each other, with only one club having an opportunity to progress further.

Meanwhile, several other reactions to the PSG vs Manchester United draw can be seen below as a Messi vs Ronaldo battle could potentially be seen one last time.

UEFA make blunder before PSG vs Manchester United draw is revealed

Before PSG was paired against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw on Monday, a mistake was made as the Red Devils were first paired against Villarreal. Ralf Rangnick's side could not be drawn against Unai Emery's side again, as the two clubs were in the same group earlier in the competition. Soon after, Manchester City were drawn to play against Villarreal, making another Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo battle possible this season.

No Messi vs Ronaldo in UCL Round of 16

Due to technical error the draw for UEFA Champions League Round of 16 had to be redone. In the redraw, Messi and Ronaldo were drawn with different opponents. Manchester United were drawn with Atletico Madrid as Ronaldo faces a team he has haunted for several times in the past. Meanwhile, Messi's PSG will take on Real Madrid in the last 16 match. Messi will return to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time since leaving Barcelona. Both players can face each other if their teams progress beyond the Round of 16. 

As per the UEFA rules, the eight group winners were seeded in the draw and will have the opportunity to play the second leg at home. The first-leg encounters will be played between February 15 and 23, with the return legs to be played between March 8 and 16. While the teams in the same groups cannot be drawn against each other in the Round of 16, there are no restrictions when it comes to the quarter-finals stage.

UCL draw

1) PSG vs Real Madrid

2) Sporting CP vs Manchester City

3) Liverpool vs Inter

4) Inter Milan vs Ajax

5) Villarreal vs Juve

6) Benfica vs Ajax

7) Chelsea vs Lille

8) RB Salzburg vs FC Bayern

Image: @ChampionsLeague/@ManUtd/Twitter