Lionel Messi To Join Cristiano Ronaldo In Juventus? The Italian Club's Boss Responds To This Possible Move

Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri has reacted to rumors about Lionel Messi’s possible move from FC Barcelona to Serie A champions.

The reports about Messi’s Barca departure got going after the player’s spat with the sporting director of Barca, Eric Abidal. The former Barcelona defender criticized the current team for not working hard enough under Ernesto Valverde, who recently was sacked by the club and replaced by Quique Setién.

Messi took to social media to slam Abidal for his comments against his team. The situation got worse and forced the club’s president to interfere. Ever since then, there have been speculations about the skipper’s exit and he has been linked to several top-flight clubs including Italian giants Juventus.

After sealing multi-million-pound signings of Gonzalo Higuain (90), Cristiano Ronaldo (100) and Matthijs de Ligt (85), Juventus at present are one of the few clubs that are capable of bearing the expenditure of having world’s two best players.

Prior to Juventus’ Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against AC Milan, the reporters questioned Sarri about Messi’s potential move to Juventus despite the news being just a rumor. Meanwhile, the Juventus head coach was ready with a perfect and clear response.

“Leo is a Barcelona player. If I were a Barca board member, I would say: 'What the f--k does this Sarri want'? So I'd rather not respond to this question," Sarri told reporters on Wednesday.

The Messi-Juventus rumors have been given much attention for another reason. There have been reports going around about Pep Guardiola replacing Sarri as Juventus manager next season and everyone is aware of Guardiola and Messi’s great bond.

FC Barcelona and Juventus recently lost their lead in the ongoing 2019-20 season and slipped to the second spot in the La Liga and Serie A points table respectively. While Barca are trailing leaders Real Madrid by three points, Juventus have lost their lead only on the basis of goal difference.

Juventus are next in action Sunday when they host Brescia in their Serie A fixture, reigning champions Barca are set to face off Getafe FC on Saturday and will be desperate to win and remain alive in the La Liga race.