Lionel Messi warned long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo that his triumphant homecoming move to Manchester United last summer was unlikely to go as planned.
The sensational move came the same month that Messi completed his high-profile move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. After initially failing to live up to expectations in Paris, Messi is now in top form for his club in his second season.
The Argentine had been unhappy in Paris but has now stated that he is completely settled in the city and at the club, where he hopes to stay for the foreseeable future. In contrast, Ronaldo ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent this week, following the player’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan..
While Messi has transformed his fortunes at the club he joined a year ago, Ronaldo has not. Despite much fanfare surrounding his return to United after a 12-year absence, things did not go as planned..
The Portuguese superstar may have scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, but United fell from second to sixth, 11 points behind the top five. Following the arrival of the striker, all players’ form took a nosedive.
The slump in form led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal a year ago, and the situation did not improve under interim coach Ralf Rangnick..
Following the summer appointment of Erik ten Hag, who frequently overlooked Ronaldo for selection, United’s form has improved significantly this season.
Last November, when asked about Ronaldo’s move to Manchester United after Solskjaer was fired, Messi told Marca: “United are a very strong team with great players.” Cristiano was already familiar with the club, but at a different stage, and he has adapted admirably.
“From the start, he scored goals as usual and had no trouble adapting.” The Premier League is not as good as we all thought it would be, but it is a very difficult and even competition with many twists and turns. Everything changes after December, and anything can happen..
Messi was also asked if he missed competing against Ronaldo on a regular basis, despite the fact that the two faced each other in La Liga between 2009 and 2018: “We haven’t competed in the same league for a long time. We competed for the same goals both individually and as a team. It was a very beautiful stage for us, as well as for the audience, who thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a beautiful memory that will live on in football history..
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