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Lionel Messi Brilliantly Responds To Cristiano Ronaldo's Challenge To Join Him In Italy

Lionel Messi Brilliantly Responds To Cristiano Ronaldo's Challenge To Join Him In Italy

Messi is enjoying his football in Spain while Ronaldo continues to score goals but in Italy.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Remember when Cristiano Ronaldo challenged Lionel Messi to join him in Italy? Well, the man himself has now responded.

Ronaldo and Messi enjoyed a fierce rivalry in La Liga, battling for domestic and European trophies as well as individual honours.

But the Portuguese superstar ended his association with Spanish football by securing a sensational transfer to Juventus in the summer.

Ronaldo wanted a new challenge, and he laid out the gauntlet to his Argentine counterpart.

"I played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, in the national team, while he is still in Spain. Maybe he needs me more," the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid attacker said.

"For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy," he added.

"I would like him to come to Italy one day. Like me, accept the challenge."

But Messi doesn't need a change because he's 'at the best team in the world'.

"Accepting Ronaldo's challenge to join Italian football? I don't need any change," the Barcelona talisman said to Marca.

"I'm at the best team in the world. My challenges are renewed year after year. I do not need to change teams or leagues to set new goals. I am at home and I do not need to change."

Messi poses in front of his Golden Boot awards. Image: PA
Messi poses in front of his Golden Boot awards. Image: PA
Messi in action for Barcelona. Image: PA
Messi in action for Barcelona. Image: PA

Messi also spoke about going head-to-head with Ronaldo: "The rivalry with Cristiano was very healthy and good for the fans."

Not to mention the Ballon d'Or.

Messi and Ronaldo held a stranglehold on the coveted prize since 2008. However, Luka Modric ended the pairs reign by being named best player of the year.

Unforgivably, Messi came in fifth during the Ballon d'Or voting behind Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Ronaldo and the aforementioned Croatian.

"I heard the nominees for the Ballon d'Or and I knew I wasn't in the fight. I love football, but family is above all."

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Serie A, Lionel Messi, Juventus, Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga, Italy