LIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo could form a sensational dream team up front for Juventus – if agents get their way.
Argentina’s six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is set to leave Barcelona next year.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could play together at Juventus next season
Former Brazil star Rivaldo reckons agents are conspiring to get Messi to make Juve his next stop.
It has been claimed Messi, 33, will only stay at the Nou Camp if old pal Xavi Hernandez is the next manager.
Messi and Ronaldo competed for the title of world’s greatest player when they were both in Spain.
That was before Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, 35, quit Real Madrid in 2018 for £99m.
The prospect of the pair lining up in the same team for the first time ever would certainly whet the appetite.
And it appeared to take a step closer after Spanish radio station Cadena SER reported that Messi would see out his £500,000-per-week contract at the club before moving on next summer.
Rivaldo reckons agents are hatching an incredible ploy to get Messi to Turin next season.
The former Barca star told Betfair: “With all this speculation, I believe that some agents are already dreaming about a Messi-Ronaldo double at Juventus and how big it will be around the globe.
“If that happened there would be a world “boom”, and I believe Juventus would quickly recover any investment on the Argentinian thanks to the boost they would get from visibility and marketing.
“It would be historical to see both playing together and I’m sure many Juve sponsors would love to help financially, so, it’s also a possibility for Messi.
“If there are rumours about his exit, then of course every club will be thinking about how they can sign him.
“That said, the two best players in the world for the past ten years playing at the same club would be massive.
“If he is considering leaving the club, then something mustn’t be good in the Barcelona dressing room and perhaps he is tired with all the constant problems that have surrounded the club in the last few months.”
Messi has also been linked with a move to Manchester City to be reunited with his old boss Pep Guardiola.
But the potential loss of Champions League football could be a stumbling block.
Rivaldo added: “When Messi’s contract ends, he will be 34, but with his class I think he could still easily play in Premier League.
“It will be sad to see him leaving Barcelona once his contract ends eventually, but I still hope that he can stay for now.
“Despite his connection to the club, he has the right to move if he wants and reuniting with Pep Guardiola at City will be tempting for him, as the two of them formed a great coach and player partnership at Barca.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
