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Football Manager 2019 Predicts Serie A Season After Messi Joins Ronaldo In Italy

Football Manager 2019 Predicts Serie A Season After Messi Joins Ronaldo In Italy

With the magic of Football Manager 2019, it's time to transport Lionel Messi to Serie A and take on Cristiano Ronaldo in his own backyard.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

What would happen if Lionel Messi stunned the world by leaving Barcelona and accepted Cristiano Ronaldo's challenge to move to Serie A?

Of course, there is footage showing the 31-year-old Argentine tearing apart Italian teams, but could he do it without playing for the Spanish club?

Well, the folks at Planet Football have decided to put that to the test using the power of Football Manager 2019.

So, the title's data editor is used to transfer the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to Napoli.

As Planet Football's Alex Keble points out, their findings are based on one season being simulated and it's based on a second playthrough after Ronaldo picked up an injury in the first half of their initial season.

With that out of the way, let's find out how Messi does in Serie A.

In only the second matchday of the Italian league, it's already Juventus vs Napoli in Turin.

PA

Who scores first? Well, neither player does.

Yup, the match ends 0-0 and neither Messi nor Ronaldo make a real impact for their respective teams (as the scoreline already suggests, of course).

Reaching the halfway point in the season and the Old Lady are top of the league with 45 points, but the Blues are only two points behind them.

Exciting title race, right?

Planet Football/Sega

It is worth remembering that both teams are still in the Champions League, too.

Keeping on Europe's elite competition for a moment, Napoli are knocked out and are able to focus more domestically than their title-challenging opponents.

For Juventus, they're able to reach the Champions League semi-final, yet they fail to secure a spot in the final after Manchester City knock them out.

Right, back to Serie A!

PA

Napoli's early exit has paid off for them and they are able to keep focus on the domestic title. They need it, especially after Juventus thrash them 4-1 in January and the Old Lady opens a five-point lead at the top.

However, Messi is able to inspire his side and Napoli are ultimately crowned champions of Serie A, with Juventus finishing three points behind them.

That is going to sting for the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star.

Messi was able to play 41 matches for his side, scored 15 times and was able to hit 15 assists. Not too shabby, eh?

Planet Football/Sega

Meanwhile, Ronaldo was able to find the back of the net on 33 occasions and created 20 chances. For his part, the 33-year-old Portuguese forward performed at an impressive level.

So, that settles that argument in the Football Manager world.

Should Messi accept Ronaldo's challenge and head to the Serie A?

Let us know in the comments.

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Topics: gaming news, GAMING, Football Manager, Football, Serie A, Football Manager 2019, Lionel Messi, Juventus, Napoli, Cristiano Ronaldo