A former FC Barcelona director has claimed that Lionel Messi leaving the Catalan club is not an altogether unrealistic notion, and that he could form a deadly partnership with Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo if he moved to Turin.
With the Argentine reportedly able to terminate his Blaugrana contract whenever he wishes, many are worried he could look to move on after his recent row with sporting director Eric Abidal.
Ariedo Braida, a former club chief, believes that while the six-time Ballon d'Or winner quitting Barca would be a complicated process, it could happen.
"Messi is an extraordinary player, he's doing very well at Barcelona," he told Radio anch'io sport.
"He's been there since he was 13 and he lives with his family.
"It's difficult for him to leave, but not impossible."
Braida then answered the hypothetical question about whether or not he thinks Messi would be able to play alongside longstanding rival Ronaldo amid speculation he could join the Bianconeri.
"They are two such good players that, with good work, they could work," he added.
"They can play together."
