'I miss Cristiano, it would be nice to still have him here', says Lionel Messi

What's the story?

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has admitted that he misses longstanding rival and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that it would have been nice to still have him in Spain.

In case you didn't know...

Messi and Ronaldo have been at the centre of football's most intense rivalry, made even more exciting when the Portuguese talisman was still playing for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo left the Spanish giants last summer and has since moved to the Serie A, where he continues his exploits for Juventus, having netted 19 league goals so far this season. Meanwhile, Messi, who stayed behind at Barcelona, is currently enjoying one of his best years, having scored 39 goals in all competitions this campaign.

The duo have reached unprecedented heights in football and have an array of titles and individual prizes to show for it.

The heart of the matter

"Era lindo tener a Cristiano Ronaldo en LaLiga por el prestigio que le daba. Excluyendo a él y a mí, los mejores jugadores del mundo son Mbappé, Neyrmar, Hazard, Suárez y el Kun", Messi elogiando a CR7 https://t.co/Vkp0Ejyj8W pic.twitter.com/0PY6P0RAF3

— MARCA Claro Argentina (@MARCAClaroARG) March 29, 2019

Months after Ronaldo's departure, Messi has revealed that while it was difficult to see the former Real Madrid star win titles in Spain, he misses the rivalry he shared with him.

Speaking in an interview with 947 FM Radio (via Mundo Albiceleste), the Argentine ace said, "Today, Neymar, Mbappe, Suarez, Aguero can be the best in the world. Cristiano? I take him out and put him with me. I swear to you, I am being honest.

"I miss Cristiano in Spain. It was nice to have him although it was difficult to see him lift titles. It would have been nice to still have him here.

"I have a lot of respect for Juventus. They are a great team and even more with Cristiano. Hopefully, we get to the final and after that, what happens, happens."

What's next?

While Juventus will face Empoli in the Serie A on Saturday, Barcelona will lock horns with Espanyol in La Liga on the same day.