The arrival of Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain has sent shockwaves across the football world, with fans all over the world licking their tongues in anticipation.
The Argentine will now pair up with his former Barcelona teammate Neymar as well as KylianMbappe is one of the most dangerous attacking trios in history. The French club has an aggressive line-up capable of delivering success to the city, but is this the best front line we’ve ever seen?
When MARCA asked fans who had seen the best trident, Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar (MSN) came out on top.
MSN, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo (BBC) or the Brazilian trident of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo have all been outstanding offensive trios in football. We’ve looked at their stats and achievements to see how these players worked together to create some remarkable moments.
MSN (Messi – Suarez – Neymar)
Between 2014 and 2017, the Argentine, Uruguayan, and Brazilian combined for three trophy-laden years in Barcelona, winning nine titles. They won the Champions League, the Club World Cup, two LaLiga crowns, the UEFA Super Cup, the Supercopa de Espana, and three Copa del Reys.
With them in the side, the squad enjoyed a 76.2 percent win record – 138 victories from 181 matches – and the three of them combined for 364 of Barcelona’s 519 goals during that time.
Messi had 153 points, Suarez 121, and Neymar 90, and they had 173 assists, more than the BBC.
BBC (Benzema – Bale – Cristiano)
For five seasons at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid fans adored this frightening front three, who helped the club win a stunning 13 trophies, including four Champions Leagues, three UEFA Super Cups, three Club World Cups, a Supercopa de Espana, a Copa del Rey, and one LaLiga crown.
They had a 71.7 percent victory rate, winning 201 of 293 games and scoring 442 of the team’s 784 goals. All three scored 13 goals and combined for 171 assists, which is even more astounding considering they only played together in 46% of the club’s games, starting only 98.
Ronaldo – Ronaldinho – Rivaldo
In 2002, these three led Brazil to World Cup victory in Korea and Japan, winning all seven of their matches in the tournament. With a double from Ronaldo in the final, they overcame Germany, with both Rivaldo and Ronaldinho putting in outstanding displays.
15 of Brazil’s 18 goals came from their front three, with Ronaldo earning the Golden Boot with eight goals, Rivaldo scoring five, and Ronaldinho adding two. PSG’s front men have great expectations coming season, and many believe they will push the French team to the next level both domestically and in Europe.
Messi scored 38 goals and 14 assists in 47 games last season, while Neymar scored 17 goals and 11 assists in 31 games and Mbappe scored 42 goals and 11 assists in 47 games. They appear unbeatable on paper, but only time will tell if they are the finest team ever.
