JUVENTUS are reportedly plotting a sensational move for Lionel Messi as they want to line him up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 32-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona after a public fall-out with club sporting director Eric Abidal.
Lionel Messi has scored 16 goals and made 14 assists this seasonCredit: Reuters
Tuttosport used the Argentine ace on the front cover as speculation over his future continues
Former Barcelona director Ariedo Braida has refused to rule out a move away from the Nou Camp for Messi.
According to TuttoSport, he said: “He is an extraordinary player, he’s doing very well at Barcelona.
“He’s been there since he was 13 and he lives with his family.
“It’s difficult for him to leave, but not impossible.”
Before he added: “Who can take it? The English teams for sure and, why not, the Italian ones too.
“With Messi they would have a crazy commercial and global image development.
“And if Messi were to choose Italy as a Milan player I would like to see him in Milan, but in reality Juve and Inter are the only teams that could take him.”
If he made the move to Juventus, he would play alongside Ronaldo after battling against him for the crown of the world’s best player for over a decade.
The potential partnership between the two Ballon d’Or rivals has been likened to a dream line-up on a video game.
Portuguese legend Ronaldo, 35, has 723 career goals to his name while Messi, 32, has found the net 692 times.
But it will come as no surprise that Messi has also attracted interest from Manchester United – who are looking to land him on a free deal.
Manchester City are also hoping to secure his signature following his public bust-up at Barcelona.
But only a small handful of clubs are able to meet the 32-year-old’s whopping wage demands.
Barcelona chief Abidal admits new Lionel Messi deal is ‘never easy’ as star edges towards free Man United transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
