Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the global football landscape for a decade, each winning the Ballon d'Or five times before Croatia international midfielder Luka Modric broke their stranglehold by claiming the coveted award this year.
"I'd like (Messi) to come to Italy one day," Ronaldo told reporters. "I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he's happy there then I respect that."
Asked if he missed his rivalry with Messi, Ronaldo suggested it might be the other way round.
"No, maybe it's him who misses me," he said. "I've played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he's still in Spain. Maybe he needs me more."
(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Share
