90min

Lionel Messi Speaks Out on Prospect of Facing Juventus Without Cristiano Ronaldo

By Ross Kennerley

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were regular rivals in La Liga until 2018
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were regular rivals in La Liga until 2018 / VALERY HACHE/Getty Images
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Lionel Messi has provided his support for Cristiano Ronaldo following the Juventus star's second positive COVID-19 test, insisting he hopes his rival recovers in time for the clash between Barcelona and Juventus in the Champions League.

The 35-year-old was found to have contracted coronavirus in a test taken after his Portugal side drew 0-0 with France in the Nations League on 13 October.

Ronaldo has since tested positive for a second time, putting his chances of featuring for Juventus when they take on Barcelona (Wednesday 28 October) in serious doubt.

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In response to the news, Messi has offered his best wishes for his former nemesis, who he is yet to face since the duo last lined up on a pitch together in a 2-2 Clasico draw two years ago.

"Obviously when Cristiano played for Real Madrid the games were special," Messi told DAZN, via the Mirror. "Matches against them always are [special], but with Cristiano on the pitch they took on a particular significance.

"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.

"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 pair could meet for the first time in two years
The pair could meet for the first time in two years / Power Sport Images/Getty Images

Since testing positive, Ronaldo has missed his side's 1-1 draw with Crotone in Serie A, as well as their Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev.

However, despite a re-test coming back positive, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner still has a chance of being able to take on Barcelona in Juve's second group stage clash.

As reported by The Sun, given his second test was taken one week prior to Wednesday's kick-off, should Ronaldo come back COVID-19 free in a third test 24 hours before the match starts, he will be free to face Messi and co for the first time since leaving Real Madrid.

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