Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona is arguably one of the most high-profile transfers in the history of football, albeit as a free agent.
His greatest challenger throughout his career remains Cristiano Ronaldo, who Leonardo Bonucci has had the pleasure of playing with since the Portuguese’s very own illustrious move from Real Madrid back in 2018.
Bonucci believes Ronaldo would have stayed put in Turin, even if Messi had not left for PSG.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 34-year-old Juventus centre-back said: “I think that Cristiano Ronaldo would have stayed even if Messi had not gone to PSG. For us, it’s an added value and I’m sure that this year, more than in past years, he will help us reach all of our goals.”
The Bianconeri are on a mission to grab the Scudetto title back in Black & White colours after Inter stormed their way past opposition enroute to their first Serie A title in more than a decade.
They are yet to fulfil their summer transfer window targets as Manuel Locatelli remains the club’s ultimate priority to be signed, but talks with Sassuolo haven’t progressed yet due to Juventus’ low initial offers.