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Lionel Messi: Inter Milan transfer claim made by former Barcelona star
Lionel Messi could follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Serie A, claims former Barcelona striker Javier Saviola.
Valverde: It will be difficult to find another player like Messi
Juventus bolstered their squad in the summer, announcing the shock signing of Real Madrid legend Ronaldo in a €100m (£88m) deal.
Serie A's stature around the world grew overnight after the transfer, sparking speculation more high profile names would decide to join the Portuguese star in Italy's top flight.
Messi, however, looks set to finish his career with Barcelona in the coming years.
But Saviola claims his fellow countryman could one day move to Inter, due to the unpredictability of football.
Then again everything can happen in the world of football
"Leo I see him very identified in Barca," he told FCInterNews.
"It is difficult to imagine it or to see it with another camiseta [shirt].
"Then again everything can happen in the world of football.
"This is why Inter fans must not lose hope, even if I repeat it will be very difficult to see the Flea wearing a jacket different from that of the Catalans."
Both Ronaldo and Messi missed out on the FIFA Best Player award in London last week, as Luka Modric picked up the accolade.
But Saviola feels the duo are still at the top of the game, with Messi just edging the battle in his eyes.
“Personally, I prefer Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo because the way he plays is the way I believe football should be played," he told the Hinustan Times.
"There is no doubt that Cristiano is a fantastic player but how Messi has played in the last few years show why he is the best in the world.
“(Kylian) Mbappe is also a great talent who has proved his mettle on the grand stage.
"But, I think it will be really difficult for the new stars to surpass Messi and Cristiano right now."
Ronaldo has so far struggled to find his feet in front of goal in Italy.
The 33-year-old has performed well but only netted three goals for his new club.
Messi, meanwhile, has scored five times for Barcelona in La Liga this season.
But the Catalan outfit have struggled of late, failing to win their last three league games.