Messi believes that Madrid is less of a threat without Ronaldo

The 31-year-old superstar has made it clear that he has much respect for Cristiano Ronaldo.

He, in fact, believes that Ronaldo’s Juventus move makes Real Madrid weaker and the Bianconeri clear favourites to win the Champions League.

“Obviously they (Madrid) are one of the best teams in the world, they have great players and squad but yes the departure of Cristiano from the squad makes them less strong,” said Messi.

“It makes Juventus a clear favourite to win the Champions League due to the squad they had before and now with him on top. I was surprised by his decision, I did not think he would go from Madrid nor that he would go to Juventus. There were so many teams and I heard less about Juve but it is a very good team.”