7 pairs of former teammates we wish played together again

As much as football fans love to feast their eyes on fine individual play, they also relish the opportunity to see teammates combine to entertain them with brilliant teamwork. Over the course of history, time and again, fans all over have witnessed unforgettable partnerships among pairs of teammates that sometimes make us think they are inseparable: a case of two artists coming together to create a single collaborative piece of footballing beauty. Usually, we can’t think of one without being reminded of the other.  While some of these partnerships are sustained over a long period of time, others are broken up by often heartbreaking departures. The fans are left in pain and thinking ‘what if’. Here are 7 pairs of former teammates we wish played together again.Note: Retired players have not been considered. 

#1 Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi

One of the greatest disappointments most football fans from the last decade will have is in not seeing enough of the Ronaldinho-Messi combination wreak havoc across Europe. When the diminutive youngster from Rosario took his first steps as a Barcelona first teamer, Ronaldinho would prove to be a mentor of sorts, encouraging him and showing him the way. 

However, their time together at Barcelona (2004 to 2008) was marred either by Messi’s injuries or Ronaldinho’s dipping form following the 2006 World Cup, giving audiences limited opportunities to see the two South American wizards combine well on the pitch. But when they did, the two of them showed fans signs of a potentially brilliant partnership.

Just imagine both of them at their peak, playing side by side for the Blaugrana; such a shame it had to end too soon.