Barcelona and Real Madrid have been competing against each other in the El Clasico since 1902 and while the arch-rivalry extends beyond the football field. many big names like Luis Figo, Ronaldo, Luis Enrique, Samuel Eto’o, Alfredo Di Stefano, and many more have played for both clubs.
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Both the Spanish giants are currently sitting behind Atletico Madrid in the La Liga table and with 12 matches to go, the league title race is extremely close. Real Madrid, however, still have their Champions League hopes up as they are set to face Atalanta in the second leg of the Round-of-16 stage while Barcelona were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Catalans are currently in a transitional phase after recently electing a new president which saw the return of Joan Laporta to the role. Coach Ronald Koeman hopes to continue beyond this season as his squad has only recently seen a massive improvement in performance.
While the club have to deal with their massive debt while also figuring out how to sign more reinforcements, one of their biggest problems is renewing the contract of Lionel Messi. The Argentine international shocked the world when he sent in a request to leave his boyhood side at the end of last season.
While things have massively shifted on a more positive note after the horrific loss to Bayern Munich last season, Messi’s future remains uncertain. Both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain remain keen on convincing the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to sign with them for free.
Ramos talks Messi leaving Barcelona for Real Madrid
Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos, has now opened up on the idea of Messi leaving Barcelona to join the Spanish capital in the summer. While interviewing on the club’s twitch channel, Ramos said,
"“Would I accept Messi in Madrid? 100%, Without doubts. I would even invite him to my house to help him! But… I would never play for Barcelona, nor for €50million nor for €70m per year. There some things that money can’t buy. It’s impossible”Source Evening Standard"
While Ramos clearly wouldn’t mind bolstering Real’s squad with the addition of Messi, the Argentine would never join the Madrid side due to his love for Barcelona. The Barca no. 10 truly loves the club and has dedicated his entire footballing career to prove it.
It remains to be seen if Messi decides to leave but Laporta remains confident that Leo’s love for Barca and the positive environment currently at the club might be enough to convince him to retire at the Nou Camp.
Would you like Messi to stay?