JUNE 19,2026 - FRIDAY

Ronaldo Challenged Messi To Join Him And Now The Maestro Responds

7 years ago - Sportingbase Ronaldo Challenged Messi To Join Him And Now The Maestro Responds Image

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s challenge to join him in Italy.

For years the comparisons between Messi and Ronaldo have had fans arguing over who is the better footballer. They were fired up again this week when Ronaldo challenged Messi to join him in Italy.

“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. He should do like me and accept the challenge.”

– Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo conceded that in the end,  it’s all about what makes you happy. “But if he’s happy there then I respect that,” Ronaldo continued. “He’s a fantastic footballer, a great lad, but I’m not missing anything here. This is my new life and I’m happy.”

Messi opted against replying to Ronaldo, but was recently put on the spot and asked whether he’d ever consider a move to Italy.

“Accepting Ronaldo’s challenge to join Italian football? I don’t need any change, I’m at the best team in the world. My challenges are renewed year after year. I do not need to change teams or leagues to set new goals. I am at home and I do not need to change.”

– Lionel Messi

Ronaldo and Messi are the only two soccer players to win the yearly Ballon d’Or—for best male footballe—five times each, and together, have defined an entire generation of European soccer.

“This is not a contest between me and Messi—I just do my job and I’ve been successful in each club I’ve played in and this is the most important thing,” Ronaldo said about their rivalry. “I don’t like being compared with others, it’s not fair…I’ve even changed my life and left my comfort zone, accepting this challenge which has gone well. I believed in myself and proved to the people that I’m still an incredible footballer.”

There is no doubt Ronaldo and Messi are two of the world’s best and it seems while they seem to bring out the best in each other, we won’t be seeing them playing in the same league any time soon.

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