Lionel Messi has already made his viewpoint on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo clear, with the Portuguese having made an intriguing decision over his call to leave Manchester United.
The striker has lodged a request to leave the Red Devils this summer just 12 months after his emotional return from Italian giants Juventus. He has pointed to the club’s lack of Champions League football, as well as their hesitancy in the transfer market as prime reasons behind his desire to leave.
The Portuguese’s priority for Champions League football has been further indicated in his latest thoughts. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the 37-year-old is ‘highly concerned’ about Messi surpassing his record as the competition’s top scorer.
As it stands, Ronaldo sits on an eye-watering 140 goals having represented the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Juventus in the competition. Meanwhile, Messi is at 125 goals.
However, should the former remain in Manchester then he will be playing in the Europa League - Utd having finished sixth last season. Messi in the meantime will once again be dining at the top table of European football with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine doesn't quite have the same response though having previously made clear that he is not interested in comparisons between himself and Ronaldo.
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Speaking during his time with Barcelona, he said: “The press looks to compare among other things. All I want is to help my team to grow each season. I don't compare myself to Cristiano nor to anyone. I only try to think of me, of my team-mates and win games.”
It of course remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will be able to secure a move away from United and with it a return to the Champions League. A number of suitors including Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have all emerged but so far it seems that a deal for any of the trio would be unfeasible.
Another club linked with his services has been Messi’s current employers PSG. He has previously suggested that he would be interested in playing alongside the Portuguese icon.
Speaking in 2015, he said: "I always like to play with the best, and he is one of them [Ronaldo].
“I think it will be difficult for us to play in the same team, but obviously I would like to. I was lucky enough to play and participate with many very good players and, obviously, I would also like to do it with him.”
It remains to be seen what Ronaldo’s response would be to playing for PSG and alongside Messi considering his concern over his current Champions League goalscoring record. It would take the Portuguese to another of Europe’s top-five leagues having already played in the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga.
