JUVENTUS have launched a spectacular late bid for Barcelona ace Lionel Messi – with the club “dreaming of a Cristiano Ronaldo link-up”, according to reports.
The Argentine superstar, 33, stunned the footballing world by announcing he wanted to quit the Nou Camp after nearly two decades.
Juventus hope to finally team Messi and Ronaldo up together, say reportsCredit: EPA
Juve want Messi to pair him with Ronaldo as they hunt a first Champions League since 1996Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Messi was left frustrated by a fall-out with club chiefs, their post-lockdown LaLiga capitulation and the 8-2 mauling at the hands of rampant Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Manchester City quickly became the favourites to sign the legendary forward.
Pep Guardiola is said to have already held a three-hour phone-call with Messi over a mega-money summer move.
But Juventus have not given up hope of finally partnering Messi and Ronaldo, according to L’Equipe.
The French outlet report Messi’s father Jorge “politely listened” to calls from Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, despite a move to England almost certain.
Juve are claimed to want to bring Ronaldo and Messi together due to their “respect” and “appreciation” for each other in their quest to win their first Champions League title since 1996.
How Juventus could line-up with both Ronaldo and Messi
The iconic duo have a staggering 11 Ballons d’Or between them and have frequently discussed their admiration for each other, despite their rivalry for the title of football’s greatest.
And Juventus have a chance too, with L’Equipe claiming Messi’s team “like the appeal” of the Serie A champions.
Earlier this week SunSport revealed Man City will go “all out” to reunite Messi and Guardiola.
We also revealed City will NOT include Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus or Riyad Mahrez in any deal to bring Messi to Eastlands.
However, City are willing to offer Barcelona one of their top targets, Eric Garcia, as well as Angelino.
With PSG’s draw fading past, it’s claimed Messi’s pals Neymar and Angel Di Maria are trying to convince him to join them in Paris.
Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp – boss of Premier League champions Liverpool – has warned City could be unstoppable with Messi.
City are close to agreeing terms of £1.4million a week with the forward – made up of salary, signing-on fee, bonuses and image rights.
And Reds boss Klopp said: “Messi would clearly help Manchester City and make it even more difficult to beat them, which was already very difficult.”
Lionel Messi already in contact with Pep Guardiola as Man City lead transfer race for wantaway Barcelona superstar
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
