Barcelona star Lionel Messi has longed to play against Cristiano Ronaldo, saying that the departure of the Portuguese star from Real Madrid left a huge vacuum and negatively affected the excitement of the bilateral competition between them in Spanish competitions, especially in the games "Clasico".
Messi said in a statement quoted by the British newspaper "Daily Mail" today: I wanted to continue with Real Madrid, was increasing enthusiasm in the Clasico, as well as competing against him in various competitions. "I was sure that Real would feel his departure, but I am sure that the Madrid club has great players capable of competing in various tournaments.