Lionel Messi is hopeful his old foe Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to take part in Barcelona's Champions League clash against Juventus despite testing positive for coronavirus.
The 35-year-old forward has so often lead the way for the Turin giants and continued to defy his age, but may be absent from the mouthwatering clash due to returning a second positive test for the disease.
Juventus are scrambling to ensure that Ronaldo will be available for selection should one final test come back negative - and Messi also appears keen to face off against him again in another 'special' match-up.
He told DAZN: 'Obviously when Cristiano played for Real Madrid the games were special. Matches against them always are [special], but with Cristiano on the pitch they took on a particular significance.'
Ronaldo was doubtful despite initially contracting the virus while on international duty on October 13.
He immediately began a mandatory period of quarantine, and was forced to miss Juventus' fixtures against Crotone and Dynamo Kiev while completing the quarantine.
Andrea Pirlo's side host Barcelona next Wednesday, and Ronaldo took a second test in the hope that he would be cleared to return and add another thrilling chapter to his encounters with Messi.
The former Manchester United man soon discovered he still had Covid-19, however, placing his spot in the game in serious jeopardy.
When questioned over his rivalry with Ronaldo during his trophy-laden days in Madrid, Messi added: 'That is now in the past and we look forward to today's challenges.
'Wednesday there could be this challenge and we hope Cristiano can be there and will soon recover from Covid.
'The ones with Cristiano were and are a special duel which will remain forever. They last many years and it is not easy to maintain those levels for such a long time.
Our teams were also very demanding: Real Madrid and Barcelona, the two strongest clubs in the world.
'Competing as equals for so many years is something that will remain forever. The duel between me and Cristiano was very good on a personal level and I think people enjoyed it.
'The fans of Real, Barca, but in general all football fans, have seen a great show. We hope to give them even more emotions [on Wednesday].'
The fierce debate over which of the two superstars can claim the title of the best player in the world, and perhaps in history, continues to rage on.
Both have won 11 Ballon d'Or awards between them, although Messi narrowly leads the way with a record amount of six.
Juventus are hoping UEFA will grant them permission to test Ronaldo once again 48 hours before the European tie. The organisation's protocols means that the player should have tested negative a week before the game in order to take part.
But his club have filed a medical report to UEFA that argues Ronaldo's test showed a low viral load which, provided his test result on Friday is negative, should allow him to play.
SH2008
681
messi being a alien is now conformed cause he is not getting infected by covid 19 so i guess i was right Ronaldo is the best player in the world
Rowlandxxx
506
Lord help us 😥 this was meant to be the best moment in 2020 fingers crossed
SH2008
376
Messi wants to play with Ronaldo i already know that but i don't know why he world does not want them to play against each other
Hooaeikmt
362
Messi’s comments about Ronaldo are marked by pure cordiality and deep respect. He even humbly said they have been competing as equals for a long time, did you catch that sentence? We can all learn from that. Instead of coming up with memes that betray a lack of respect for two of the greatest of footballers, it better to respect both even if you love one more than the other. Now I know you will say competition is like that, it’s fun to argue! but frankly insults and derogatory speak shows a low mentality. Compete with courtesy just Ronaldo and Messi do. They do not raise the competition by insulting each other’s parents like We occasion see among their fans. Respect is good. If you respect your pet, do it more to these legends. It’s been a privilege to witness this golden age of football rivalry. I hope CR7 recovers soon so that we can have another slice of class of this immortal rivalry.
youbdknrz
359
Messi is not Messi without Ronaldo Ronaldo is not Ronaldo without Messi They help each other to improve
Boom1212
267
No words 😭😭😭 why 2020
MahmudurPrattay
253
Don't get upset Bro... we will play together in the 2nd league!!
princeha
239
as painful as it can ever be
SkullSwagger
10
messi being a alien is now conformed cause he is not getting infected by covid 19 so i guess i was right Ronaldo is the best player in the world
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the only reason juve fans say that now is because Ronaldo joined juve lol before he joined all of juve legends , players and even coaches used to call Messi the best but had to change their opinion to respect ronaldo's signing
SH2008
8
I think Messi's bed is the reason ,maybe . Messi got a special gift from a company (a special bed mattress which absorbs the virus inside 4 hours of affecting). Maybe that's why......
no i am pretty sure he is a alien