GOAT Talk: When Ronaldo Advised Messi on Transfer Destination

• Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has been dubbed one of football’s greatest rivalries
• The pair share a record 12 Ballon d’Or awards between them and many other victories
• Despite the fierce rivalry, Ronaldo once invited Messi to join him playing in the Serie A

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have shared football’s biggest stage for the better part of the last decade.

The pair hold the record for the most individual titles won in a particular era, amongst numerous other cups, trophies, records, and accolades they can boast.

While their rivalry appeared fierce, Ronaldo's 2018 admission paints a different picture.

The Portuguese star, who moved to Italy back in that year to join Juventus, even urged his long-time Argentine rival to join him in the Serie A.

Ronaldo joined Juve from Real Madrid in the summer window of 2018, in a move reported by Talksport to be worth €117 million. This effectively brought an end to a long-standing rivalry between the two legends of the game.

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He moved on while Messi continued to ply his trade for Barcelona for three more years, before joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer in the summer of 2021.

Ronaldo speaks on Messi rivalry

When asked by reporters about his rivalry with the Argentine in December 2018, Ronaldo said, via Scroll:

"I'd like him to come to Italy one day. I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he’s happy there then I respect that."

The Portuguese veteran was then asked if he missed Messi, to which he replied:

"No, maybe it’s him who misses me... I’ve played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he’s still in Spain."

Ronaldo also suggested that Messi needed him more than he needed Messi but was quick to laud the Argentine for being a 'fantastic player and a good guy'.

"For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy... I don't miss anything here."

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"This is my new life and I’m happy. I left my comfort zone and took on this challenge here in Turin, everything has gone well, I’ve proven I’m still an incredible player."

Ronaldo spent three seasons in Italy before returning to Manchester United in 2021.

He left the Premier League side unceremoniously in November of last year, before joining Al-Nassr in the Saudi Arabian Pro League.

Messi, meanwhile, spent two seasons with PSG and has now joined Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Inter Miami.

Zidane on Ronaldo, Messi debate

Sports Brief previously reported Real Madrid icon, Zinedine Zidane making his GOAT argument as the debate continues to rage on who between Ronaldo and Messi is better.

The former French international was asked to pick between the two and he explained why he thought the Portuguese superstar was better than the Argentinian veteran.