Sound the alarms in Barcelona. Lionel Messi is down.

The four-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner suffered a tear in the ligament of his left knee on Saturday. He’s expected to miss seven to eight weeks. With rehab and a return to match fitness in mind, 2015 has seen the last of the generation’s greatest player at the peak of his powers.

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Naturally, Twitter was in mourning.

One player not in mourning -- but surely upset to see his counterpart suffer an unfortunate injury -- is Cristiano Ronaldo. The reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or winner had serious ground to make up in the race for 2015's award, having lost the treble to Messi.

His scorching form to start the season -- eight goals in six matches -- served as a reminder: he’s still on par with his rival.

The stage will belong to him for the remainder of the year. If he’s to have any chance to win back votes for his fourth Golden Ball, he must dominate the pitch.

His quest starts Saturday against Malaga.

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