Ronaldo dares Messi to join him in Serie A

The Juventus striker and former Real Madrid legend would be open to the idea of a continuous rivalry with Barcelona superstar being rekindled in Italian league. 

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that Lionel Messi “maybe needs more” after so much at Barcelona and has invited his rival to join him in Serie A.

Prior to a stunning summer transfer window, the two talismanic performers who have cemented standings among the all-time greats spent nine years battling for supremacy in Spain.

Ronaldo’s decision to sign for Juventus in a €100 million deal has left Messi as the only five-time Ballon d’Or winner in La Liga.

He has offered little indication that he will be following a similar path to Ronaldo, a man he has battled with for so long, with Messi being tipped to end his football career as a one-club man. 

However, Ronaldo would relish the chance to lock horns with Messi once again in Italy if the opportunity presents itself.

When asked if he misses Messi, he said “No, maybe he misses me!

“I played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, in the national team, while he is still in Spain. Maybe he needs me more.

“For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy.”

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

“However, if he is happy there, I respect him.”

“He is a fantastic player, a good guy but I do not miss anything here. This is my new life and I'm happy.”

After mild domestic ties during the last transfer window, Ronaldo and Messi have been knocked from their perch at the top of the world game.

Luka Modric, Ronaldo’s former teammate, has enjoyed a clean sweep of the most prestigious awards this year, claiming the FIFA Best Award, World Cup Golden Ball and 2018 edition of Ballon d’Or. 

A duopoly enjoyed by Ronaldo and Messi is said to be over, following a decade of dominance but neither of the two are showing any sign of slowing down the pace despite being into their 30s.  

Ronaldo has banged in 11 goals for his new club, Juventus, so far this season, while Messi won’t stop sending tumbling records in La Liga and has scored 17 goals in all competitions so far.